Lest you lovely readers think I have abandoned daughter #1, let me assure you she is doing great! Nastia hates having her photo taken and also isn't so keen on my writing about her too often now that she "gets" the whole blogging thing. I have let her read much of it, and she says she is ok with the 'old stuff' about her staying because it is from 'a long time ago.' These days I am starting to think I need to check in with her before posting about her...out of respect for her privacy as a teen. But she says it's ok to post about the 'good stuff'.
Nastia is doing so well I could burst from pride. As hard as hosting Dasha has been at times, it has also afforded me the chance to see just how far Nastia has come. She is a great big sister! Yes, she loses her cool now and again, but by and far she is just as supportive as can be. Dasha completely idolizes her and wants to do everything like her. Nastia has become so attached to Dasha herself that today she told me to start 'papa shopping', too! Now, if you know Nastia, you know that is a HUGE leap. She used to try to get me to swear I would never ever marry because she didn't want to share me!
Nastia has grown up so much, I am starting to see glimpses of the woman she will become - strong and kind, nurturing and brave. She is a great mix of gentleness and strength. I want her to have the happiest life ever. I pray for that every single night. And Anya -- she can't wait to see Anya again, and has lately become a much better sister -- calling Anya more regularly and speaking longer, showing support for her sister by keeping her hopes up. She really makes me proud.
So, though I haven't blogged much about my sweetheart lately, it is really only because she prefers I don't and she absolutely HATES when I post photos of her...lol. She is at that awkward teen stage where she thinks she is unattractive no matter what I tell her. But thank goodness she is actually glad I have Dasha to blog about. She says it gets her 'off the hook'!
PS. Yes, that's an iphone. She's asked for it for over 2 years now, and has been sooooo patient. Her therapist suggested I do something really special for her and since she needed a new phone....I splurged. I never splurge. It was time. She deserved it. And not to mention the peace of mind I experience now that she has a working phone again!
Nastia looks fantastic! And you're an amazing Mama for respecting her wishes.
ReplyDeleteLucky girl.....
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by our blog and leaving a comment a couple weeks ago. I've been able check in on yours for a bit a couple times...lots going on in your household, isn't there?! It is inspiring to read all that you are doing/have done to help the children in your life try to heal; it is helpful for me to read and learn more ways of dealing with the challenges adopting older children bring. I left comment on this particular post because my thoughts were with your Nastia as I read many of your words. What a precious child she must be. She may have doubts about herself that are common at this age; but she certainly is a beautiful girl whose compassion for others shines through in many of the photos you have posted of her. It is an encouragement to me- mama to my older adoptee who is still struggling so- to read how far Nastia has come and what she is able to give back to Dasha at this point in her life. I hope the day will come when mine has made such progress.
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