Mothering Sunday

It was my first Mothering Sunday last weekend.  Lutaaya has certainly grown into celebrations since living in Wales.  She was very secretive in trying to buy me gifts without my knowing.  She loved the concept of it all. 
So, after all the hype, Sunday morning arrived.  My little girl awoke at 6am.  Now I can tell you this is a very rare event.  Lutaaya NEVER wakes herself.  I'm sure she would lie in bed all day if I didn't wake her.  On this occasion though, the excitement obviously got the better of her and she was raring to go.

Lutaaya expected to make me breakfast, but at 6am this wasn't what I was wanting.  I wanted a normal Sunday morning wake up!  I love my sleep and yes, the lie ins are certainly not as long as they used to be on a weekend now that I'm a Mum but 6am was WAY too early.  So a little bit of encouragement and Lutaaya accepted the offer of jumping in at the side of me.  What a mistake!  She continued to fidget, cough, sneeze, poke and ask (every five minutes) 'is it time to get up now Mam?'  But you know what?  I wouldn't change her, or this morning for the world.

As soon as I showed signs of movement, she was up and off to her hideaway in her bedroom where my gifts were hiding.  Oh how proud she was to give me the gifts she had chosen herself.

This was taken just before heading to church, not for you to think she sleeps in her jacket!!

So up we got and she was soooo eager to help make breakfast.  She is a dab hand at tea making now, with some supervision on the kettle part.  I guess she lost some of her independency when she moved out of the orphanage.  Having small tasks like this give her that little bit of responsibility that she desperately craves.

A little time later there was a ring on the doorbell.  Lutaaya runs to the door and comes back with a huge grin on her face and carrying the most beautiful floral display in her arms.  The final gift arrives.  She was stressing earlier because she didn't grasp the concept of haing the flowers delivered and even rang her Jjajja to find out what was happening with them, bless her.  On the doorbell she obviously knew what would be waiting, but never uttered a word to the lady delivering them (sorry), as in her excitement she simply forgot and left her standing on the doorstep. 

What a wonderful day with my little princess.  Although days like today make me reflect on the joy of having my daughter, it also makes me think of all the mothers out there who struggle in the battle motherhood offers them.  Those that struggle in caring for their little ones, in poverty, war, disaster, family break up.  Those that make that uncomprehendable decision of giving their babies away in an attempt to get them a better future.  Those who watch their little ones who are sick or at risk. 

There are many children, like Lutaaya, who don't get the same opportunities as she does.  She has been fortunate to have a chance of a family.  A chance of a new life.  A chance of a future.  I have the chance to be her mother.

The Charity, World Vision, is currently carrying out a campaign for mother's day.  They want to know your happy mother's memory.  Either of a time from your own childhood or a time when your sweet child has made you smile.  Did you know that a child's first smile typically happens at a month old?  But every year more than three million children die before they even reach that age.  A shocking fact but a real one!

World Vision is committed to improving the health and nutrition of women and children in the areas which it works, contributing to the global reduction in under five and maternal mortality.  The organisation is also trying to persuade world leaders to put mothers and children first.

So why not share your 'happiest mum moment' with world vision and in doing so, they'll add your name to their Child Health Now Petition.  Your happiest smile could change the future for another mother who you may never meet but can hold in your heart.

Lutaaya's Baptism

Having Lutaaya baptised was one of the important things to do in my book as soon as we came home.  With Christmas and her birthday, I put off her baptism until things settled down a bit.  Too much stimulation and exciting times in her life can make her crave more, so it was nice to have a short break and then consider baptism dates.  So with a lot of planning and preparation, 27th March was to be the date.

Having Lutaaya baptised was a symbolic act in her Christian journey.  She has been brought up at the orphanage as a Christian and has entered into our Christian family.  Her faith is strong.  Her faith is REAL!  After all, she prayed for this adoption and look what happened!  She didn't need us, as her parent and Godparents, to stand and make a declaration of faith on her behalf.  She is more than able to make that stand herself.  But baptism is something that I felt we needed.  I needed to celebrate with my Christian family, the joy Lutaaya brings into our hearts.  I wanted them to see her faith alive.  So a baptism service seemed the best option for us.

Lutaaya had a dress made for her baptism.  A kind lady, named Julie, kindly made the dress as Lutaaya's welcome home gift.  Julie has a bridal shop in our town and it was such a thoughtful act for her to make this dress and give it us as a gift.  We certainly wouldn't have found a dress as beautiful.  So thank you Julie for your kind heart.

Lutaaya was so excited all day.  She thrived being in the limelight again.  Obviously she had four doting Godparents all day too.  Deciding on Godparents was a tough task but the choices seemed to jump out eventually when I gave some time, prayer and thought into it.  They are all special people in Lutaaya's life.  Uncle Cameron flew home from France for the day.  He had never met Lutaaya face to face as he left for France the week before we came home.  They've had many a skype chat though and instantly bonded.  Uncle Dan and Uncle Jason are two of my best friends.  Jason came to Uganda in 2008 with me.  He knew of the adoption process idea long before anyone else and I think when we were in Uganda, he realised the love I had for this precious girl.  Lutaaya loves her Uncle Jason, especially when she hangs off his arms and winds him up.  Dan is the sensible one (on times).  He was the one to sit me down and question the reality of the adoption going ahead.  He is the one I can count on in a crisis and is always there to help me out when I need it, and I hope he sees that as vice versa too.  I know he will offer the same to my beautiful daughter.  Then there's Lutaaya's one and only Godmother, Ellen.  Lutaaya knows Ellen as Auntie Ellen, but also as Mrs Waite, as she teaches at Lutaaya's school.  Ellen was the one who kept the support coming even on my darkest days during the adoption process.  While the home study was ongoing she kept me upbeat and sent loads of support my way.  She was always the person I could rely on for optimism, even when I was stuck in Uganda waiting for the Visa.  There was always an email saying, 'what can I do to help?'  And since bringing Lutaaya home, that support has remained.  In the form of friendship, optimism and also help with Lutaaya's schooling.  In seeing Ellen with her own daughter, I simply think, if I can do as good a job as she has, I won't go far wrong.

And here they all are with Fr John, who gave a wonderful service for the occasion.

Lutaaya is extremely blessed to have such wonderful people in her life.  Plus the people don't stop there and I want to use this blog to say a HUUUUGE thank you to everyone who helped make Lutaaya's day the success it was.  Firstly for everyone who helped with the food, my parents, grandparents, Aunties.  Sarah (and I think Steve) for making the rice and pasta salad.  Nancy and Sara, for the Welsh cakes that went down a treat.  Barbara for making the iced slices.  Abu for working so hard in helping tidy up.  Anita and Lorraine who took charge of the refreshments so we could meet and greet.  And finally for everyone who took the time out to attend and share in Lutaaya's special day.  Thank you for all the wonderful gifts you gave her.  She really is one very blessed little girl.  THANK YOU!