Exactly One Month Together...

And still I do not know what do say. I thought that if I waited the right (perfect) words might just miraculously cross my mind, solidify, and manifest themselves onto the screen. It just hasn't happened. There is so much that I want to share, details of events that cannot be given justice to within the confines of words, or at least my words.

I write and then erase constantly knowing that my words just cannot convey what it is I'm trying to express.

My daughter is...
Motherhood is...
Ethiopia was and continues to be...

The words that come to mind just cannot be adequately expressed and when I and my daughter look back on this time together, I want something to be written - something to be from me to her about what it was like seeing her for the first time in 1 1/2 years; visiting Kechene and knowing that without a doubt I never have to ask for permission for her to leave with me; falling asleep the first night together and not sleeping at all too worried about her making it through the night; her calling me mom for the first time while I'm trying to change a light bulb in her room, "Careful Mom!!!"; Her "Thank You's" for the smallest recognition of her ideas about what to play next; her unbelievable resilience and courage throughout the last month; the comedic way she sees our lack of communication in Amharic/English; the beautiful way she sings Ethiopian Orthodox songs, and yes, she knows them all; her witty personality that can instantly make you feel grateful for every minute you have with her; and the list goes on and on.

The last month has been absolutely amazing and I can honestly say that I never thought I would feel as content as I have since we have been together. I am miraculously blessed to have Beamlak in my life and she makes every day (and yes, even those days when she wakes up at 4 am tickling my feet) fun-filled with a million adventures to undertake. There are so many firsts we are discovering.

The irony is - there truly isn't much to say, my mind isn't wondering, my heart is content in this moment.

And so I leave you with a few photos :)

My Baby in "RED"

Beamlak watching Maryn in awe performing Taylor Swift (one of 6-7 times)

Beamlak posing for Maryn to show off her presents from her (and Renee, she wears the headband EVERYDAY!)