Happy Holidays from Us to You

Happy Holidays, everyone! Thanks to Liz Mojica for the great photograph of the kids.

Given our circumstances this past year, we've sent e-greetings rather than mailing our usual 140+ Christmas cards. It was a tough 15 straight months of unemployment, and we greatly appreciate the wonderful support from our family and friends.

Daddy Gets a Job!

Late yesterday, Kevin accepted a sales rep job with an electrical components company. He starts January 5th, working from home, his territory ranging from Melbourne to Miami. We're in happy shock, and have a long financial recovery ahead of us, but we will survive.

Even as it's been an unsettling year, in many ways, it's also been an amazing one. Amazing watching Emily blossom in Kindergarten and learn to read. Her vocabulary grows by leaps and bounds, and conversations with her are an absolute delight. And amazing watching David want to communicate, to tell stories and sing songs.


Making Xmas cookies

David has made great strides with his speech, and we hope for more in the coming year. Although he endured several painful surgeries this year and faces several more in 2010, through it all he remains such a happy kid. And he starts 3 days of a special needs preschool in January, while also remaining for 2 days at Grace Lutheran preschool with his long-time classmates and his best friend, George.

Milestones

In 2009 we said a painful goodbye to our beloved kitty, Toffee, and see our 10-year old German Shepherd, Mia, slowing down. Mia lost her long-time buddy, Airedale Duke, and several friends lost their equally beloved kitties and doggie family members.

On the human family front, we rejoice as Kevin's mom, Frani, and my dad, Bill, remain cancer free. We're happy the rest of our parents, and our friends, are in good health.

And hardest of all, this past year we've mourned the loss of several precious babies--little Molly, and tiny twin brothers Corbin and William. These little angels will never be forgotten. They will remain forever in our hearts.

I hope 2010 will be a happier time for all of us. One filled with promise and prosperity, health, and hope.

Much love,

Caroline, Kevin, Emily, and David

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day, David!!

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Dear David,

We had a busy day yesterday and Mommy and Daddy couldn't post our letters in time! Gotcha Day was December 10th, 2007 around 3pm, and David, you were 25 months old.

David, it's been 2 years since that grueling 5-hour taxi ride in the falling snow and wild Chinese traffic to meet you. I remember the moment Daddy and I finally stood in the orphanage office, waiting for a nanny to carry you downstairs. We were so excited to be growing our family.

I sometimes wonder what you're feeling deep inside, after facing yet another doctor, your tiny hands clamping down over each ear, your anxious shouts of "NO!!" The high giggle as they begin to probe your canals, then the heartbreaking sobs of "No, NO, OWIE!!" And that's when your ears aren't even hurting.

You've had a great year and a hard year. Great because you decided talking is a good way to tell people what you want. Whether or not they understand you. Great because you finally decided that loving Mommy isn't such a bad idea after all. Great because you finally let Mommy love you back. Great because you have little friends who love your outgoing personality. Great because your sister adores you and watches over you. Great because you and Daddy can do your guy stuff together.

It was a hard year because you're still battling medical issues, endured two painful surgeries and more late night ER visits while struggling to breathe. Over a dozen specialists, and more to come. And yet, you push on with a lopsided grin and that endearing little boy run, elbows swinging widely, head bobbing happily from side to side. Watching you, I remember the incredible excitement of holding you in my arms for the first time. You. My son.

Rudolph hides in Santa's toy sack

You're an amazing little guy, David. One that really taught Daddy and I to focus our priority forever on family. And really fight for what our children need. You're the glue that holds this family together. Sweet, funny, tender, caring, wild, imaginative, and so easy to love.

Happy Gotcha Day, Buddy.

Love,

Mommy





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Liz M. took this great photo
Dear David,

I can't believe that it has been 2 years since our days in Tianjin City. I will never forget how you clung to me so tightly, only hours after being put in my arms for the first time. How I would reach down to you and your arms went straight in air for me to pick you up.

I still think of our first meal together and how you just kept eating as we placed more and more food in front of you. The whole time you held a beaming smile on your face.

The past 2 years have been difficult, wonderful, sad and full of total joy, all at the same time. I cry each time you do when they put the wrist band on you at the hospital. But you come through every surgery like a trooper.

I have fun when we play in the park together. I enjoyed our first fishing trip together and seeing your look of pride when we pulled your first fish from the water.

Looking forward I see many more fishing trips, hiking, bicycling and of course the occassional trip to Cold Stone for a bowl of ice cream...sometimes you even get some in your mouth instead of just on your mouth.

The road ahead will be a great adventure, but there will be potholes. Just remember that Mommy and I will always be there to lift you up and put you back on the right path. And we will always be walking right along side you.

You have been, are now, and will always be, my little buddy.

Happy Gotcha Day! You are loved!

Love,

Daddy