Wednesday, March 11, 2009

5.) What happened in the last year? Write about something you can do now that you couldn't do a year ago.


I'm back from the blogging desert - and I have news! But first, my assignment... which will also be my news (yes, I know that's cheating). I'm expanding the assignment to include "firsts", which I think fits in with the theme of things I couldn't do a year ago.
A year ago I couldn't have thrown a 1st birthday party for 40 people. A year ago I didn't even have a baby, nor was I pregnant.

For those of you who followed the story of Simmi last year - guess what ......... she stayed! We are in the process of all the paperwork for foster care, which means she will be staying for at least 2 years, renewable every 2 years. We are hoping to have all this finalised in the next 2 weeks.
Then maybe we should have another party? A celebration of foster care - that would be another first!


There have been alot of other firsts since I last blogged. Simmi's first steps (at 8 months 3 weeks!). Simmi's first trip to the seaside and her first ride in an aeroplane. Simmi's first Christmas. Simmi's first tooth. Simmi's first swim. And now of course her first birthday - which gave Sherae the opportunity to bake and decorate Simmi's birthday cakes which was a first for Sherae.

Back to me - in the last 5 months I have visited Simmi's mom in prison. I would never have imagined that I could or would ever visit someone in prison. I've learned that I am able to go into the cells and communicate with someone who doesn't speak English using my extremely rusty Zulu. I've learned that just because someone has a baby, this does not mean they are a mother or a father (more on that subject in a later blog).


A year ago I couldn't wake up at 06h00 on a Saturday morning - now I do it all the time. A year ago I couldn't put down that excellent book - now I have to. A year ago I couldn't play peek-a-boo, hide and seek, dolls or tickle monster with anyone - now I can play whenever I like. A year ago I had absolutely no idea of how to take care of African hair - now it's second nature (the challenge is getting Simmi to sit still).

Lots of things I couldn't do a year ago - hope I get full marks!

4 comments:

Simply AnonyMom said...

She is beautiful. Happy b-day little one. What a year you have had for sure.Congrats on the staying and may you have a safe and happy 2 yrs together.

Sometimes Sophia said...

Those are some great-lookin cakes!! And Simmi is beautiful!! So many first... those early years are simply amazing.

Angela Tolsma said...

She is beautiful!! Happy Birthday!! What did you do for her party??

KatBouska said...

Wow! Look how much she has grown!! I am SOOOO glad she gets to stay. Such a pretty little girl. I can't believe the issues the mom has...is there any chance she might sign over rights and let you adopt Simmi?? What a great addition to your family!