Does anyone know of a book or magazine regarding how to raise a child biculturally? I am interested in reading anything that can help me raise Savanna in a way that she is very proud of her heritage, her race, her culture. I'm just not sure how I can do this effectively. Where do I start? What can I do with a one year old?
and... it was love at first sight.
The intensity of emotion is brought back to me when I look at pictures of the first time we met. It was an experience I shall never forget, and one I've never come close to experiencing in my life. I couldn't control the tears from rolling down my face every time I looked at her. It was joy, happiness beyond expression in words. I also remember thinking, "she's so tiny. I hope I don't hurt her, break something".
Here's Savanna today (no, I didn't break anything either). She has grown much physically and in PERSONALITY (well, she's always been strong in personality, isn't that right Aura?). She really is pure joy, love, all good things (if she'd just stay out of the trash... and a few other things). Savanna is teaching me about life, the important things, like taking time to look at a leaf, not caring about one's looks, to get up when you fall down, to enjoy each moment as it comes. She is a beautiful soul and I love her with my whole being. I sure wish you all could meet her because you would love her too.
So here's my Queen Sassy Savanna today (thanks Big Kahuna, my boss, for the new swimsuit) experiencing life to the fullest...
As always, I love you Savanna.
I just can't believe my baby girl is one year old today. Time has flown by. Savanna is absolutely pure joy... except for the screaming episodes in restaurants, or when she locks herself in the bathroom and someone has to crawl through the window to unlock the door (sorry Patti), or when she slings a million tampons (new) around the house right before company arrives, or when she insists on playing with the toilet bowl water, or eating trash out of the trash can, or setting off my car alarm for the 100th time! She definitely keeps me on my toes (pretty soon I'm going to become a ballerina!)
Right now my eyes are filled with tears of joy. One year ago I had no idea that I would be fortunate to be Savanna's Mom. My mind goes back to "Referral Day" when I saw the name given to her, "Edna". I was stunned. Chills ran up and down my spine as I read her name for the first time. Edna was the name of my deceased Grandmother. Edna is not a common name in Guatemala, well it isn't common in the US either. I knew it was a sign that Savanna, "little Edna", and I were meant to be together. Additionally, my dossier was sent to Guatemala on my dad's birthday (also deceased). Oh, how my dad would have loved to be Savanna's Grandad. I think my Grandmother and Dad had something to do with Savanna becoming part of my (our) lives. It's strange how things work out in life.
Savanna really is the love of my life. She is so "sassy" and funny. And, she's HYPER as HELL too. I love her personality, her spiritedness, her drive to learn, her persistence in getting what she wants. I love her shy, charming, and outgoing traits. I LOVE her smile; it brightens every room. I LOVE her wet kisses. I LOVE her voice (expect the screaming). My heart melts when I hear her call me "Nama" or when she says "hi", "bye bye", "dog", and "duck". I was shocked two weeks ago when she signed "milk" and pointed to her Sippy cup. I LOVE her walk and attempts to run. She looks so much like a little duck. It always makes me laugh. I love to hear her "sing" in the back seat of the car, and I like that she likes me to sing with her.
Ramona, Savanna's first mom, has also been on my mind. Well, she's always on my mind but more so today. I wonder what she is thinking and feeling? I wonder if she regrets her decision. I wonder if she would like to see or hold Savanna. I wonder why she didn't write me back or want me to send her pictures of Savanna. When I look at Savanna I still see Ramona. Maybe one day we will meet and I will be able to tell her how much she is cared for. I hope I will have made Ramona proud. More importantly, I hope she loves Savanna and is PROUD of her.
Savanna's foster mom, Aura, sent me an email today. Aura and Christopher, her little boy, remembered Savanna's birthday. I cannot tell you how special it is to have them be part of our lives. Every time I get an email from her I cry. They truly love Savanna and always will. She also sent Savanna pictures of herself and Chrisopher so Savanna will never forget them. I'll make sure she doesn't forget them! When Savanna is around 5 years old, I will take her to visit them.
Thank you to all my RL and internet buddies who sent "Happy Birthday" emails. Y' all are the BEST!
Here are some more pics of Savanna and my backyard.
I know, I've been a very BAD blogger. I'll try to be a bit better. To say I've been busy would be a huge understatement!
The MOVE... I moved in 107* of heat. The humidity was way up there too. And, remember how I told you that I was forgetful lately? Well, I made the biggest mistake of the year... I forgot to connect the electricity. Guess what that meant? Well, it meant that 2 seniors, a baby and a dumb 41 year old stayed outside for a whole night. It was smolderingly hot in the house. It was hard to breathe, literally. The next day we headed straight for the Embassy Suites. We were there for 2 more nights. Dumb, dumb Betsy.
I DON'T recommend moving with a toddler. I'm still not done unpacking. If you are a organize freak (like me) the lack of organization is incredibly stressful.
On the positive side, Savanna loves her new BIG backyard. I do too. Unfortunately, I am not able to show pics. Either I'm doing something wrong (quite possibly) or there is a problem w/ Blog.com. The backyard is what sold me on the house. I wish you could see it. So, without further ado, here's my new old house!
The last two are of the back yard but they don't do it justice. There are beautiful flowers and tress everywhere. I can see the cross from my patio. I feel so peaceful outside. It is so quiet.
So what do you think?
