Christmas Fun and So Much More

I have to start off by simply saying that our Christmas was truly blessed...not because of the gifts we gave or received but because we are a family! It's hard to believe Caleb has been home with us over 2 years now. Our first Christmas together was chock full of jet lag. Even though we were home over a month at that point, Caleb's internal clock was still off. *sigh* This year, well, we're just like any other family....trying to get Caleb to sleep past 6am before making a mad dash to the Christmas tree to open presents. It's funny, though, he skipped right past the bike in front of the tree to the train circling it. It was very cute.

For our "family" gifts, Baba got us a Wii. It's been lots of fun to play together. Baba also got us a Gheenoe. I know you're probably wondering what in the world it is. I was also stumped, as I was escorted out to the garage to find a boat looking somewhat like a canoe taking up my parking space. Well, a gheenoe is like a canoe but the bottom of it is designed differently, giving it more stability. Patrick also bought a 5hp motor that can attach to the back, so we can take long day trips and not have to worry so much about time to paddle back. He's had this whole thing planned since we took a vacation to Lake Lure back in August. I loved canoing at summer camp all those summers as a young kid. And while we were at Lake Lure, we rented a canoe one day. And Caleb just loved it. That's all Baba needed to hear to get his wheels spinning. We are really looking forward to cruising up and down the river in our gheenoe when the weather gets a tad warmer.

My sister, Deb and BIL Andy made it over with Leah around lunch time. It was really fun watching Caleb and Leah open their presents. It was Patrick's big idea to get Leah a baby doll and stroller. So guess who had the priviledge of putting that stroller together? You guessed it! Caleb and Leah both enjoyed playing with the dollie in her stroller, as well as the Wii. I can't wait to see Madeline join in on their fun together.

The day after Christmas, Patrick watched Caleb as Deb, Leah and I hit the outlets for some after Christmas shopping. Leah had a lot of fun playing peek-a-boo in all the stores. She was really helpful with trying things on, not only for her but for Madeline as well.

Over the weekend, I got an email from Ann at Red Thread China saying that our care package should be delivered this week. That really put a smile on my face. She sent us a picture of our package, which is shown below.

Included in the package is our translated letter along with some questions. We also sent Ann some pictures for her to print off and place in an album. We also included a stuffed animal, as well as some candies, and some hair bows. It warms my heart to know that Madeline will soon see our faces. We also ordered a cake. So we are hoping to soon get pictures of her with her cake, as well as some updated information (which will make my shopping easier! LOL.)

Tomorrow our SW is coming out for our home study visit. This is necessary for our I-800A Supplement 3 application, as our home study addendum was denied. Our house is STILL turned upside down. But at least Madeline's room is cleaned up so that Bammy can stay when she arrives tomorrow, too. The queen size bed we bought (which I will most likely be sleeping in when Madeline comes home) will be delivered tomorrow, just in time for Bammy's visit. Yay!

Then on Thursday, I will be heading to New Orleans with my sister to watch my beloved Florida Gators play in the Sugar Bowl. It will be the first time in over 2 years that I will not spend the night in the same place as Caleb. The first time I told him this, he told me he didn't want me to go to the football game. For a few days after that, he would just tell me he didn't want me to go. It broke my heart. I have said every reassuring thing I can possibly think of to let him know I will be coming back. But he still looked sad. Well, today, I started telling him again. And he seemed so much better about the whole thing. He would repeat what I said without asking me not to go. So I know he's beginning to understand better. I've had dozens of opportunities to leave him for short periods of time since he's been home. And he's done very well. So his recent behavior is a bit unsettling and surprising because he is clearly more attached to his baba. Anyway, I am praying big time for him as he deals with my absence. I'll keep you all posted. And GO GATORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!