I read about it in the books... I prepared dozens of quick comebacks but sometimes, I'm still stunned into silence. People definitely take notice of Kajal and I. We're different and we stand out. The looks, the curiosity, happens all the time. What really amazes me though, is how thoughtless and cold people can be. They say things, without a care to how it might hurt or effect Kajal. Strangers don't hesitate to ask 'Is she yours' even though they've heard her call me Mommy at the top of her lungs ten times. Or the, "how much did she cost" like she's a doll I purchased in a store. They come right out and ask 'does she have any family or why did her family let her go, what happened to them???' Don't they realize what they're saying could bring up horrific pain and memories for my child? They just don't care, so wrapped up in their own curiosity. I usually come back with something somewhat civilized or snippy depending on my mood, like 'she didn't cost me anything, the complex legal process of international adoption did have it's expense or very simply, I am her family'. A few days ago I was simply tired and caught off guard when Kajal and I were driving to the doctors for yet one more appointment. The taxi driver, was nice and seemed to care I'll give him that but he couldn't help but starie and listen to her try and speak English. He finally couldn't resist asking 'What is she?' I was stunned into silence and before I could come back with something very simple, like, she's a girl or she's my daughter... Kajal broke in and with a huge smile proclaimed "I'm a little English and a big India!'

I laughed so hard I cried.

Isn't she the best?