Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The best Christmas Gift

We've had a wonderful time celebrating with both sides of the family. It's always terrific to see family. I guess since we don't live near either side we don't take it for granted at all.

I wanted to share that the most amazing gift this year was how supportive our families are. I was getting to a point where I sometimes felt like people forgot that we were going through this (I know that's not true but there have been times where people have been a bit insensitive and I guarantee you that I'm oversensitive) and we had family members asking questions and our parents being so amazingly supportive, talking about the baby (as well as a generous gift from my in-laws) in a way that made this all start to seem real and not SO far away again. I'm thankful for that.

I am reminded that I should treasure the next few months of waiting. Our lives will change drastically in 6-9 months so I should appreciate this time with my two kids who are, honestly, getting easier. The only diaper I touch in a day is putting one on my daughter before she goes to bed, which she removes and throws away in the morning. They dress themselves, they entertain themselves (or each other) for at least short periods of time. B can entertain himself for long periods of time (when he wants to). They get along (fairly) well (for a 4 and 7 year old). I can do some cleaning or cooking while they're awake. I can work on the budget sometimes while they're awake. We can play games, go to the park, take trips, enjoy family outings together and it's a LOT LESS working than it used to be. For the first time ever we went on a road trip and we only brought regular water bottles in the car - no sippy cups. These things seem small but slowly my kids are getting to be so much easier and they're becoming so much fun. It's a blessing. I think I'm in for some shock when youngest comes home (we call him/her "youngest" most of the time to be discreet and because we don't know what else to say). It's a wonderful, welcome shock that I am anticipating greatly and waiting very impatiently for. I can't wait to have our youngest child home in our arms. To see our family complete (unless God has other plans). But I'm trying to enjoy my older kids while it's just the two of them. Trying to enjoy God's blessings to our family in the moment and not live my life always looking forward.

Sorry this is long and rambling but that's where my head is right now. Happy Holidays!

9 comments:

  1. Yay. This post makes me happy for you. Glad you had a merry Christmas!

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  2. Some days I feel lazy when I look at other moms running after their little kids. Life has gotten very easy for me too, and I know what you're saying about enjoying the time with your kids no "the calm before the storm". It will be a welcome change, though:)

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  3. Bless your heart! This entire adoption process I think just brings us to new levels of faith, of patience, of grace, of peace, it is truly all encompassing. Everybody says once you get that baby in your arms you forget all about it....I'm hoping that's true for both of us! Hang in there my friend!

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  4. What a wonderful perspective to have! I love that you're soaking it all in and enjoying life as it is. We definitely tried to do that with Olive before Ingrid came home, and I'm so glad we did. Because you're right - there's a nice level of independence your older kids achieve, and that freedom you gain from it is somewhat lost when a littler one comes home.
    Anyway, merry Christmas!

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  5. great perspective, christy! i can't wait to meet big bro and big sis :) hopefully SOON! ;)

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  6. It is so important and hard to keep this wait in perspective, isn't it? One day I think..how am I going to handle another child and the next I am crying to have him/her home!! :) In a way, I am comforted knowing that it isn't up to me and I can trust that the Lord his going to bring our next child home in the perfect timing. Our wait for Lindsey's referral got longer and longer--we waited 23 months--but she is the PERFECT fit in our family.

    You are so wise to enjoy today in all that you have--thank you for the reminder!! Happy New Year....a referral new year!! :)

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  7. I'm so glad your Christmas was a good one and that you have a supportive family that helped it that way. It really makes such a huge difference when you know those around you really care and understand.

    Its so hard to remember when you are anxiously waiting, but it's great to enjoy your family as it is now, b/c soon, it's going to be a completely different dynamic. of course every child is a huge blessing, but this is the last time you can enjoy these moments as a family of 4.

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  8. I love this and feel the same way waiting for our little boy and having our 5 and 8 year old girls here! I'm sure we will be singing a different song in 2011! Bring on the family of 5!

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  9. Adoption sure is a walk of faith. And you have it my friend. You an inspiration to me!

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