The Tarpey Family

Adoption Journey to Kazakhstan

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What is Henry up to at 17 months old.....

Henry's wings have opened and he is flying high, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Henry started signing words consistently about a month ago and that has opened up his world to a whole new meaning. The confidence that he has gained by being able to communicate has strengthened our connection unbelievably. When I think back to where his little life began, it is hard to believe it was thousands and thousands of miles away in a remote village of Uralsk, Kazakhstan. I will forever be grateful to all of Henry's first Mama's, although nothing is quite the same as having your very own "Mama". Just last night I was looking at the photo of Henry and me with one his favorite caregiver’s that was taken just days before he left the baby house.  I think of those women a lot and what an amazing job they do with limited resources, and yet so many babies to tend to and love as best as they can.

Henry was one of the "perfect" babies at the baby house, great for the caregivers but sad for my sweet Henry. He was so content to just play by himself with the nearest toy that was available to him and if another baby took it, he just reached for another one. By the time Henry came became my son at 9 1/2 months old, he was very self reliant and only looked to adults for his basic needs to be met. He did not like to be held at all. He was okay when you picked him up to move him from place to place but to just sit and hold him, he wanted non of it. The one thing I will always remember about Henry in the early days of us being together was his beautiful smile. He always smiled and laughed. So, I knew deep down in my heart was a there was a baby boy who could laugh and smile but put up a wall to protect himself from loneliness. What I didn't know is that it was going to take time and not just a few weeks but many months of unpeeling layer by layer of his protective shell. After taking care of other people children for 22 years and seeing those children blossom under my loving care, I really believed my "love" would cure it all immediately, and it didn't. It took Henry 3 full months at being home before he gave a full fledge head on the shoulders hug. I get those all day long now. One of his favorite things to do now is blow kisses to everyone he is saying good-bye too. He has a sweetness about him that is beyond words to describe. He loves to be held now and cuddle with me. He is not a "perfect" baby anymore, we have lots of whining and complaining if something does not go our way along with lots of giggles and laughs when mommy jumps to my needs. These are all great things that tell me Henry is feeling very connected to me emotionally and feels safe to let it all hang out.

I often wonder what Henry’s birth parents were like, if they are anything like Henry, they are dynamite people with a heart of gold. I feel so grateful to Henry's birth mom for giving Henry life and for giving him the chance to have a family he can call his own. Henry truly is a remarkable human being who is so strong and brave. To think how scared he must have been leaving the baby house, the only thing he ever knew. Well, it been 7 1/2 months since he has been home and the changes that have taken place are mind boggling. Just the look in his eyes say's it all. Enjoy the photos!!

July 7, 2008

Mommy and Henry

I have waited all my life for these moments!

What a face, amazing!

My happy baby, who I adore

So cute, wonder what he is thinking?

He was watching David in the pool.

He say's it my turn now!