Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. We have had a wonderful Christmas, and feel so incredibly blessed that the Lord has put our family together in such an amazing way. I told B, if God can bring us together with our child all the way across the sea, I know He can do anything. This journey has been such an eye opener to this fact…and I’m blessed beyond words to have the opportunity that God has given us.

Our little one has enjoyed opening presents, but was a little unsure at 7:00 this morning about looking at presents! The boys’ antics woke her, so she was a bit unsettled to begin with. She warmed right up though, and has loved celebrating Christ’s Birthday. I made Russian potato pie in honor of her heritage. My plan is to incorporate this into our celebrations as a way of reminding us from whence she came. Though it is not exactly like they make in Russia, it is a nifty rendition of it, if I do say so myself. ;o) Our little princess was asleep very early and very quickly tonight after all the celebrating!!

Merry CHRISTmas,

Joy

Ok so there is a pic that I have been wanting to share, and many of you will say…???what in the world??? But let me explain. (B thought I was silly, so you may too)  The kids had just finished eating breakfast, and I was coming in to rinse my bowl. When I looked down, sitting in the sink was a significant sight…three bowls. Three bowls you ask? Yes, three bowls…my three children’s bowls. At this point, after having been home for a week, it hit me…my three children are all here, being taken care of by me!! Yes, I was a little emotional at the sink, and A LOT thankful to know my children are where they should be, snug in their home, being loved by their mommy. So…enjoy this “silly” picture, and know it holds great significance in my heart!! The other pics range from the time we got home, to now, so enjoy. ;o)

In His Watchcare,

Joy

Here are a few of our first videos with Annalise.  It is so hard to believe we have been home with her for nearly 7 weeks!  She is learning very quickly.  Already, there is very little she doesn’t understand in English.  I actually miss hearing the Russian words, but it is nice to hear her speak English, or try many times. 

See video page

Well, first of all, we are still here. ;o) Just been very busy! CHRISTmas season does that to all of us I’m sure. We just finished up some of our post-adoption paper work, which is nice. We had to register her with the Russian consulate, and turn in a few forms to our agency. We do still need to finish paper work for her social security, and then look into readopting here in our state. So though we thought paper work was over for a while…alas…it is not. We do have a post placement at 6 mos., 1 yr, 2 yrs, and 3yrs. Then it will feel as though it is complete.
We are so enjoying our little one, her sweet nature and enthusiasm for life is certainly catchy. The boys are still as enamored as ever…impressive…it has not worn off yet!! We of course are loving hearing her version of English, too fun. She is so very smart, and picking up so much so very quickly. I think that has helped tremendously in her attachment as well, she understands the connections with others around her.
I have some pics that are near and dear to my heart, that I will try to post soon…I can’t seem to stay awake long enough to post them. When she crashes, I crash!!
I will try to post more often, to keep you updated…no promises though. ;o)
In His Watchcare,
Joy