We just put up the Christmas tree and there are several ornaments that are extra special this year now that Abbie is home. Here's a trip down adoption-journey-at-Christmas-time memory lane:
2010
Christmas of 2010 was about 13 months into our adoption journey. Our dossier had been submitted to the government of Rwanda in July of 2010 and we were anxiously awaiting news of our referral. We were hopeful that
we would not be waiting much longer - surely by the next Christmas we
would have three children posing in front of the Christmas tree. I never, in a million years, would have predicted that Christmas that our dream of bringing a child home from Rwanda would be met with a slamming door 6 months later. We received this ornament from our dear friends, V & R, who were also waiting for news from Rwanda regarding their adoption. This ornament and what it represents holds special significance to V and me.
My mom gave us this ornament, which characterized our adoption journey at that point.
I bought this ornament from another family who was fundraising for their own adoption.
2011
Last year we wished Abbie a Merry Christmas from half a world away. We received this ornament from my mom in anticipation of our adoption travel that would follow shortly - To China We Go!
These pictures of Abbie were taken 3 days after Christmas last year while she awaited us at Heartbridge.
Misty - isn't that Ivor with Abbie?
2012
I bought this Christmas ornament at Jordon's shop in Guangzhou, China when we traveled to bring Abbie home in March. 
This ornament commemorates our first vacation as a family of five over Thanksgiving a couple of weeks ago.
Looking forward to the annual dressed-up-kiddos-in-front-of-the-tree picture this year! Should be a classic...
Isn't it wonderful how ornaments tell a family's story? They are all sort of 'in jokes' and milesyone markers.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are very thankful as we start Advent today. On the Feast of St. Nicolas, we will put up our tree - first time in 5 years! I look forward to hanging ornaments from special friends like you. Also putting up ones that look very ordinary, but have special significance for me, like the pine cones I gathered on many dossier paperwork trips in winter 2010. And oh yes, a huge stocking bought in Rwanda will go up on our mantel this year!