Merry Christmas

We are wishing all of you a Merry Christmas.

2012 has been a really busy year for us as evidenced by the lack of blogging.

I sit here today on Christmas Eve while my kids indulge in an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and think about just how far this family has come in the last year or 4 months even.

I am feeling overwhelmed with emotion and am kind of shocked I haven't cried yet. Watching Christmas through the eyes of my girls is nothing shy of amazing. I don't even know if Katie has any idea what all is about to happen today and tomorrow. I am just glad she is here.

Kiya asked me today if Santa visited Katie in Korea last year. I was honest and said I don't know. She then asked, did Katie get Christmas presents? I reminded her that Christmas isn't about presents but about family. Kiya said then that Katie didn't have family last year. I tried the best I could to explain foster families and cultural difference and Katie's life before she came to Wisconsin. Kind of a weighty topics for a 4 year and this mama pre coffee. Then Kiya in her true awesome self said "I love Katie so much. I like my little sister a lot. She gets presents this year."

This year we are finally the family of 4 we set out to be over 3 years ago. I can hardly believe it. There were times last year that I thought we would never get to this point. And when that phone rang back in August telling me our paperwork had been approved and we could get on a plane I couldn't believe it.

And now here were are almost 4 months later and feeling complete. This little girl has changed each and every one of us. She has challenged us and inspired us and charmed us beyond belief.

Kiya loves having a sister and one with brown skin just like her. She loves to teach her new things and boss her around in true big sister form. She has come so far and has really embraced the role of world's best sister.

Katie is truly so sweet and funny and stubborn. She keeps me on my toes and I am grateful. I never dreamed our second child was going to be a girl or a girl from Korea but the roads that led us to Seoul were paved in miracles.

I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be able to parent in my opinion the two most beautiful and amazing girls. This will be a great Christmas just because I can hug both of my girls tight. I am one of the lucky ones.

May this holiday season be filled with love and peace!