Ukraine Adoption

Celebrations and the new year

She was sound asleep when I nudged her to wake up. It was 4 pm Monday and we were already running late for yet another holiday party. I don't like to wake up children, it doesn't feel right. We spend so much time trying to get them to sleep it's a crime to make them get up. But we were excited to see some old friends (OK< I was excited, Tara just likes the idea of a party.) She quickly dressed in some party clothes and we were out the door.

This was the second party in two days, rounding out a week of endless get-togethers with friends and family. We have become professionals at grazing around the buffet tables. I haven't had to make a meal in a long time. "Fill up!" I tell my family.

Whenever we arrive, Tara does her usual shy act for the first 10 minutes, burying her face in my neck, smiling and turning away quickly. Unknowing acquaintances proclaim her to be a quiet child. "She's shy," they nod in agreement.

Moments later, she is smiling at adults, running around, playing, laughing, talking. She makes fast friends with other children. On Sunday, there was an entire, unguarded table of desserts, including candy necklaces and lollipops. The kids were all zoomed up on sugar. I was in the bathroom when I heard Tara screeching with excitment as she was being chased by a four-year-old girl. I took a long time to wash my hands. I strolled out and acted like I had no idea that could be MY child with the high-pitched scream.

At one point, our good friend the hostess walked over to me and said in a low voice: "In case you're wondering why Tara's sleeve is rolled up, I did that. She dipped her elbow in the lemon cake."

Parties, anyone?