A Very Merry Clevinger Christmas!

Christmas was super special this year! This was Ian's first Christmas in the USA spent with many friends and family. It was very different from the Christmas we spent just one year ago in Ethiopia. I think that Cortney and I had deeper appreciation for the festivities and opportunity to celebrate the way we do. So many do not enjoy this luxury. We tried to impart that on my nieces and nephews as they opened the abundance of presents stacked high in front of the Christmas tree. It is not a reality for them as it has been for our darling M*. Many times we stood back and wondered what she will think of all this next year. The lights, food, singing, games, toys, trees, ornaments.... Most importantly I wonder what she thinks this year. As she celebrates another Christmas without a family. We know she is happy and healthy and we are thankful that she is in the fine care of Gladney. We know that she loves her friends and caregivers but my arms ache to hold her and I can't wait to be her mother.

Ian played and played...and played with his cousins. He had so much fun and he was so good! He ate tons of food, lots of ice cream at Nana's house and had the world's worst belly ache! It was my best Christmas ever! It was the Christmas I've dreamed about. Watching my son be amazed by the lights and pretty paper. Watching him enjoy our families and play with the train around the tree. This was what I had as a child and just what I wanted for him. Perfect...no other words.

We continue the count down to court. I have not packed or made a list of things to pack or stocked up on things or any of the neurotic things I did last year. I am too afraid of not passing court and facing months more of delays. We always hope that it will not be this way but with international adoption you just never know. We are bracing ourselves for the worst but praying for the optimal outcome.

Happy New Year!

Ian and Papaw playing 52 card pick-up!
Ian and Uncle TT tooting on the flute

My pretty baby

The toy of all toys...the one that made him screech in horror when he had to get off and go to bed...consequently the toy that was parked beside of our bed for 3 days.