Memories

I had often wondered about children adopted at different ages, and how the perception of a different life in a different land might change. Lots of factors might come into play - their age when adopted of course, but probably a million other issues might trigger different memories, or perhaps even positive or negative outlook on a situation, based on the slightest hint of a past memory.

Angelina was 9 months old when we adopted her. When she grew old enough to have "real" conversations, we asked her about memories but there was really nothing. Sure, she enjoys looking at pictures and videos of our time in China, but its like she sees the "China Angelina" as another person. Someone she gets a kick out of watching, sure, but not necessarily anyone she might be fundamentally connected to.

Fast forward to Miah, who was 2 years old when we met her. So, sure, she's likely to have a much stronger perception of her life in China. We assumed that, but were pretty much waiting for her language to develop to the point we could have proper conversations.

Today we were chatting shortly after Miah woke up. Mummy asked "Were you happy when you were adopted?" "Yep" (that's a standard answer for Miah). "Were you happy when you found you were getting a family?" She replied "Yep, on my birthday". This kinda stopped us in our tracks because she was right - they told her on her birthday that she was going to a family in Canada. We explored more... "Did you wear a hat for your birthday? What did it look like?" It was "big" and "pink" (Correct, and correct - we saw the pics). We asked if she had a birthday cake. "Yep, it was blue and yellow". Can't validate that one, we didn't see the cake up close.

Still, it's fascinating to think what other memories might be locked up in that mind of hers, and what else might come out once she finds the words to express it.

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