The busy life of being 'Mum'

Lots of people have commented on how slow the blog updates have been lately.  I can only apologise and as you'll see, the updates have been 'updated'.  You can have a catch up of what we've been up to over the Spring season by scrolling down.

It's true to say that becoming Mum overnight to a 9/10 year old, we certainly hit the road running.  I also can't deny that I love it!  I love the organised chaos.  I love the every day moments.  I love the realisation of day to day moments that can be recognised as 'firsts for Lutaaya.'  I love being Mum.

So the reason for the lack of regular blogs, has simply been down to being so busy.

The reality of now being a full time worker as well as a single Mum is in full swing.  It's manageable.  Just.  With huge thanks to my friends and family.  We have many 'angels' in our daily lives who dip in and out to steer us along and give us that helping hand we need.  I am grateful for that.   

We took full advantage of the Easter school holidays and had an action packed itinerary.  So here goes, here's the lowdown on our Spring holidays!

First stop - the zoo!  Being an adoptive Mum, I need to try and enable Lutaaya to experience the things most children experience in their earlier years if they were born in the UK.  It's a tricky balancing act, as I don't want to 'simple' her by doing 'baby' activities, I want her to understand what other children have experienced so that she too has memories of these events.  She needs experiences she's missed out on as well as experiences appropriate for her age now.

But I think we all enjoy a trip to the zoo no matter how big or small we are!

There certainly seemed to be an animal theme going on this Easter, as you'll realise!  Next stop - the community farm.

We loved this little farm as it offers great hands on learning for children young and old.  It has a real family feel about it, and offers an intimate atmosphere.  Great for a little girl to explore!  I think this will be one of many visits.

Then came a Royal Wedding!  Lutaaya loved watching the wedding of Prince William and Kate on TV!  It just so happened that it was one of her Godfather's birthdays too!  So we were invited to his birthday/street party.  And look who turned up!

There is a Lutaaya hiding under there!

Uncle Cameron returned home from France, so he wanted to give Lutaaya an Easter treat.  Farm number 2 coming up!  A day out, as an Easter gift off Uncle Cameron.  Not so many 'animal' photos included in this one!  Just one little girl and one BIG kid, having lots of fun!

This is in the BIG Ferris Wheel!  Not quite sure what she expected but it was the one thing she wanted to do all day!

So there you have it!  The reasons why we were so busy, I never managed a blog update! 

Our journey continues, so I will try my best to keep the blogs coming! We should have a court date soon for an adoption order in the UK!  I'll keep you all posted.  I can apply on 3rd June so please pray that the date will come soon.  We can finally put the legal journey to rest then and know that we truly are a 'forever family'.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Doesn't this photo sum up Easter more than any words could?  Lutaaya knows that the words are true!  I hope you manage to 'smile' too, as the words are true for you too!

We didn't lose sight of the real meaning for Easter but we also wanted to add some fun.  So Easter morning, we woke up early and announced the arrival of the Easter Egg hunt.

The basket was empty when Lutaaya started and clues were scattered around the house, leading her to the next egg.  Oh my!  How she got involved quickly!

Initially Lutaaya didn't understand the egg hunt?!?  She would have preferred to have stayed in bed all day I'm sure!  But soon she realised how much fun this game could be!

Lutaaya managed to work out every clue!  All around the house, in the smallest of hiding places, she went on her hunt to find the eggs.

Its amazing where you find eggs on Easter morning!

Ta da!  Look what was at the end of the Easter egg hunt!

Lutaaya loves her scooter!  Its a lot easier than her bike, to learn to ride and she loves the freedom it gives her.  At every opportunity she scoots rather than walks. 
You may have noticed that there isn't any chocolate mentioned here!  Reason being: my little girl isn't too keen on it!  So better her have something she can stay active with, than get her something she doesn't really like! 

Loving Water! Loving Life!

Lutaaya simply LOVES water.  She loves the fact that it's in the tap whenever she needs it.  It's obviously something she is NOT used too.  After all, she spent the first 9 years of her life in Uganda, where running water is a luxury rather than a necessity.  Taps are a rare sight, and to get hot water, would need a lot of hard work, rather than simply turning the tap on!

So having some fine, sunny weather, gave Lutaaya and Granddad some fund times.  I think the photos speak for themselves and REALLY shows to what extent Lutaaya LOVES water!!!

Some quieter time trying to get her helicopter to work

From Tusker to X Factor

During our stay in Uganda, Lutaaya became obsessed with watching a Ugandan talent/singing TV programme called Tusker.  (When the electricity allowed).  Unbelievably, after our long stay in Uganda, we had to leave before the final.  So if anyone can enlighten us who won Tusker 2010, we'd love to know. 

On arriving in the UK, unbelievably, X Factor was still on TV.  There were about 4 weeks left of it.  Instantly Lutaaya saw the similarities between Tusker and X Factor, and I guess to a certain degree, it gave her a little of 'home' through a very random way.

Lutaaya placed all hopes in a black lady, Rebecca, winning.  She ended up taking second place.  Lutaaya loved the excitement and hype of the show.  So when we had the opportunity to go and see the live tour, we jumped at the chance.

What a night!  Lutaaya ended up covered in ticker tape and loved every moment.  She certainly loves her music.  Seeing her singing idol in real life, was a little overwhelming and she struggled with her emotions at one point, but we quickly talked about it and she enjoyed the rest of the show.

Ffion and Lutaaya doing the X Factor sign!

Loving being in front of the stage!

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!

Kids and concerts

Anyone who has met Lutaaya when she is in her safe environments, will know she loves music and dance.  She simply loves it.  This week opened up the door of opportunity for Lutaaya to experience two very different aspects of music.  Firstly off we trotted to the Wales Millennium Centre to see her first Musical, We Will Rock You.

Outside the Millennium Centre

It was very loud and very bright.  Lutaaya moved with the music throughout the show and smiled/laughed at the funny parts, making me know she understood the story line.  What she couldn't process were her thoughts on whether or not she liked it??  It's difficult, when you travel with a bus full of people, for them not to understand that it takes Lutaaya a little longer than most of us to process her thoughts and construct an opinion.  She needs time to mull things over and then make a decision on her thoughts on something.  So being bombarded with questions of, 'do you like it?' or 'are you enjoying it?' or 'is it good?', are still too difficult to answer on the spot for my little girl.  Each question always answered the same way, with an, 'I don't know!'  It's not that she doesn't understand what you've asked or that she's being rude, it's her genuinely not knowing what her answer will be.  And she won't talk about anything until a good few hours later or even the next day.
Living with Lutaaya, you get to see the response of when she's made that decision.  If something is too difficult to deal with or she doesn't understand she can either start asking questions or simply become withdrawn and not speak.  Two very different extremes to her behaviour.  One thing is for sure though.  If she likes something, you certainly know about.  She will chat about it for hours and for days after.
So, as I put her to bed, she answered the many questions asked her today, singing a line of one of the Queen songs.  If it's sunk in enough to be repeated, it goes on the 'like' list!

Later this week we had the honour and privilege of seeing the Watoto Children's Choir perform locally.  Amazing, awe-inspiring, tear jerking night.  Lutaaya loved the traditional songs and dancing and it certainly made her Lugandan come back a little.  What was difficult for Lutaaya to deal with was hearing all the children's stories.  Each child with their own unique story of desperate times and destitution.  All the stories of these children thankfully end in hope due to the Watoto charity.  If you're interested in finding out more about Watoto, don't take my word for it, see their website here.  They do amazing work.  Sadly, in the back of my mind, as in the minds of everyone else who has been to Africa, are the many children who still live these destitute lives without anyone advocating for them or helping them out of the absolute poverty they find themselves in.