Kajal turned 8. Oh, she missed her friends, Lucy and Manisha... she missed Boston, but she was so excited, another birthday. It's so amazing to watch a child who spent her life not knowing what a birthday is, prepare for her 3rd birthday... but turning 8 years old. I think this year she really got it. She asked me a lot of questions about being born. Where was she born, is her birth mommy alive, did she come from a mommy's belly?

I know where I was born, Mommy. I was born in the place, the place where Manisha and I lived. The orphanage, she feels she was born at the orphanage. It makes sense, that's what she remembers now... as the memories fade away some remain. The hunger, the lack of toys, the lack of love.

She was so excited on this day though. We planned a special party the weekend before and my sister Linda surprised her with an American girl doll. The doll looks just like Kajal and she named her, Kajal. Her own little version of herself. She loves her, carries her everywhere.

The party was a huge success. Kajal's beginning to make friends, good friends. She's drawn to children who are 'kind' to her... this is so incredibly healthy. She's beginning to realize that she's worth that, she deserves to be treated well and with love.

We invited children from the neighborhood as well as a few friends from school and her closest friend here, Paisley. She was showed with presents, had a beautiful Tinker Bell cake and the children all stuffed their own bears. They played frisbee's and ball outside and one of my new, wonderful neighbors brought over a jump castle.

Kajal was in heaven! My neighbors daughter straightened her hair and painted princess makeup on all the girls.

The day was truly, magical.

Kajal with her new friends
looking all grown up
isn't she beautiful?


They really do, grow up too fast