Although I wish Ren were here with us for Christmas, I'm happy he is at least here in spirit: that we know about him and will meet him soon. We were in the same situation when we were waiting for Claire - a referral before Christmas with a travel date in the new year - and I remember the bittersweet feeling of hanging a specially chosen ornament with her photo on the tree. This year, Ren's referral picture joins Claire's on the tree. Bittersweet as it is, I know we are blessed to at least be matched with a wonderful little boy on the other side of the world. My heart goes out to the families still waiting to be matched with their little ones.
As Christmas cards come in from friends and family, it is wonderful to see so many of them addressed to "Paul, Monica, Claire and Ren". Clearly, Ren is already viewed as part of our family - by ourselves of course but also by others. When our friend Marianne invited Claire and I over to decorate a gingerbread house last weekend, I was delighted to see five little figures representing our family: Daddy, Mama (with curly hair!), Claire, Kitsya and of course, little Ren. Here's a 'family photo' (Ren is just right of centre):
Today is day 78 of our wait for the Letter Seeking Confirmation. I have my heart set on a February travel date but I'm afraid if our letter doesn't arrive soon, March will be the earliest month we can travel. I know things will unfold the way they are meant to and that we will be together very soon regardless but an extra month at this point seems like a long time to wait.
7 comments:
That picture of the tree and ornaments is so lovely. You find the most beautiful things! Here's hoping the letter arrives among all those great cards.
Monica,
What adorable faces adorn your tree! Love the gingerbread family too, including little Ren!
Praying that your LOA comes soon, so that you can be on your way to your little Zhuhai guy.
Christmas blessings~
Tina and family
You have the right attitude Monica. No sense stressing out over things you can't control. The paperwork will come when it comes and this time next year you'll have to check back on your blog to remember how long you waited for him. Ahhhh (sigh) you are closer to being with him today than you were this time last month :-)).
Dawn
Wonderful Christmas entry! I love seeing the tree with Ren and Claire photo ornament. The gingerbread family is cute too! Ren is loved and doesn't even know it yet.
Warm hugs to you all and hope you get that letter soon! xo Auntie Marlene & Uncle Geoff.
The ornaments with Claire and Ren's photos are beautiful. I'm so glad you at least have Ren's photo for Christmas, and his spirit with you as well.
Let's hope you get another wonderful Christmas gift in the form of your LSC, there are still a few mail delivery days left.
I love the ornaments, and the gingerbread family. Ren will definitely be in your thoughts during the holidays, just like Claire was 2 years ago.
I'm really hoping that your letter arrives soon. The wait doesn't get any easier with a second child, does it?
The ornaments are gorgeous and how wonderful that Ren is already so much a part of your Christmas celebration. I know he can feel your love all the way around the world. Hope you get your letter soon.
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