Happy "Holidaze" to our Daughter/s!

Where did the year go? It seems like a few weeks ago that our daughter graduated from high school and moved into college life. It seems like yesterday that our son was in summer band camp. Now there are Christmas lights, decorations, music and the hurried pace of shopping, planning and meeting deadlines in preparation for the Holiday Season. How quickly time is passing in so many areas of our lives...except one!

As we begin to witness the sights, sounds and schedules of Christmas and the New Year, we can't help but think about the "Holidaze" we hold inside our hearts. For as wonderful as it will be to spend time together with friends and family during the season, a part of our life remains with a precious little sweetheart, (or two), in China. We miss her so much already. Just today, I saw beautiful dresses, accessories and items that I thought she would enjoy. And I wonder, is she born yet? Does she know that she is loved so very much already? What will our "Gotcha Moment" be like when we meet her for the very first time? And what will her first Christmas at home with our family be like? (Fabulous, no doubt!) There's the first family portrait that will be made with Jenna Elizabeth (and maybe Emma Katherine) in the arms of her Dad, Mom, sister Rachel and brother Micah. What a joy that will be! We can hardly wait.

But we must. Rather than be sad because she is not with us yet, we choose to rejoice as we realize that each day brings us closer to her...and our life together. So, dear JennaBeth (and possibly EmmaKate) "Happy Holidaze"...because you're always in our thoughts, hearts and prayers...and you will be with us every moment of this season. As your caregivers feed you, change your clothes, bathe you and take care of you, know that we thank God for them as they prepare you for your journey home! As Christmas surrounds the world, know that our love surrounds you, too. Our arms aren't empty for you because they're reaching halfway across the world and holding you in our hearts! But someday soon, we will hold you and we will bring you home. And you'll hear the story about how a little baby boy came into the world and changed lives forever. So rest, dear daughter/s. Rest in God's love and plan. Rest in knowing that some wonderful people are taking care of you and working very hard to help you get home! Rest in knowing that your family loves you dearly. And rest in the dreams of our first Christmas together...very soon!

We love you!
Dad, Mom, Rachel and Micah