10 Days

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of the day that Karleigh Mei's birth mother placed her in a spot where she would be found quickly. I don't know the reasons why she did this, I can only speculate. There are MANY reasons that COULD answer the why, but we just don't know. Was it because she knew she would not be able to get the medical attention she knew Karleigh Mei needed because of her eye? Was it because she already had a child and knew that the implications of having another were severe? We may never know.

I can guess that the decision to leave her was a torturous one. Oh the pain she must have felt! Karleigh Mei's birth mother kept her for 10 days. For 10 days she held her. For 10 days she took care of her. For 10 days she looked on her. Did she know for 10 days the inevitable? Did she try to will herself to do it sooner? How long did her heart break for her once it was done? Was it her birth mother's decision? Her birth father's decision? A mutual decision?

For many years, even for years before Karleigh Mei was even conceived, I have been praying for her birth mother. I almost sense that we have a "history" together. I have no doubt that the Lord placed His merciful hand on her birth mother. I know that she had to have sensed His presence. Whether she knew what it was or not. I pray that the Lord continues to place His hands on her, and give her peace that all is well with Karleigh Mei. I pray that someone, somehow, tells her about our Father in Heaven and the ultimate gift He gave to us all. I hope to meet her one day in eternity.

For the last 10 days I have thought about what it would have been like to have my baby with me for 10 days only. I was surprised, during the days, to realize how much time 10 days really feels like. I took some pictures of SOME of the events that took place during these last 10 days. We've made lots of memories, as I'm sure Karleigh Mei's birth mother did for the 10 days she had her.

10 days between November 2, 2009-November 12, 2009

She has dressed up~

She has danced with the Wiggles*~
She has licked beaters~

And opened birthday gifts~
She has been celebrated~
She has been bike riding~
She has helped her dad paint his work bench~
She's been loved on~
She has painted~
She has played outside on her bike (lots of this has been done this week!)~
She has eaten pixie sticks~
She has been to a football game~
She's been bossy (and sassy!)~
She's played with her trains~
She has been to dance class (twice).

She has gotten her hair cut.

She has eaten 30 meals and countless snacks.

She has slept in her bed 20 times (counting naps too!).

She has brushed her teeth and taken baths.

She has gone to Targ*t and to C*stco.

She has taken walks with her dad.

She has gone to get the mail.

She has watched t.v. and listened to music.

She has talked on the phone.

She has been to a birthday party.

She has been out to eat.

She has hugged and loved.

And the list goes on...

All in just 10 days.