Yesterday, was the six month anniversary of the day I picked up Karina at the babyhouse and we started our new life together as a family. I can hardly believe it was a whole six months ago. And that it was nearly eight months ago that we met each other for the first time. Time surely does fly. Karina has grown straight up more than three inches in six months. She has only put on four pounds and has lost most of her little toddler belly that she had. She is beginning to really look like a big girl now and I can’t believe how many physical changes I have witnessed in her since February. She is so much fun to be around. She has the best sense of humor and we are a good match because we are both silly and giggly. Her teachers at preschool, in ballet class, and gymnastics all seem to really like her because she has such an infectious and charming personality.

Yesterday, I pulled out the pair of leggings that I had bought for her in Kazakhstan and gave to her at the babyhouse – the ones that were too big and didn’t fit – well they fit her now! I went to put them on her and she looked down at them and up at me and said, “Remember momma, the groupa? You gave me these at the groupa.” I was floored that she remembered the leggings that I bought for her. I told her that yes I remembered them. Then she said, “Thank you for these, Mama.” What a great kid huh? I hugged and kissed her for nearly five minutes. I remember all the books, and articles and advice about adoption telling the PAPs to not expect their child to be grateful…but the truth is Karina acts grateful all the time and looks at me with gratitude in her eyes for so many things….and in turn I look at her in the same way, I am so grateful to have been so blessed by such a wonderful child. We are both very grateful at the Sharify house.

I really look at Karina as a reward from God, being matched with a child with such personality, depth, intelligence and doing so while traveling blind, to me is a gift and confirmation that I have been on the right road all these years. I know we all get signs of one sort or another but Karina is like a blazing billboard in neon blinking lights.

I have been motivated so much by this little girl. I seriously know I could rope the moon and pull it down if it means her life would be better. I have always been a motivated person but now with her here I am steadfastly determined to do everthing humanly possible to create a stable comfortable life for her so she never again experiences hardships of any kind.

Karina has learned so much English and has basically become totally Americanized at this point. She is a happy little girl with just tons of energy. Here are some pictures, the first four were taken during the first week I met Karina and the rest were taken recently. You’ve come a long way baby!!!