Suppose I could say "Hi"

So, here's the latest in bullet points - I'm the worlds worst blogger lately - what is my problemo?

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Here's the tree. Small, and kind of bare. We only put on our favorite ornaments this year and skipped all the hub-bub. Tis the season for an underplayed holiday, which just breaks my heart - since it's my favorite. I just can't seem to get into the spirit without my kids. It's like a hole is missing in our family and nothing we can try to do is filling it. Next year we've decided to go to the Christmas tree farm up in the hills with some friends and cut a fresh tree, take the hay ride, drink hot chocolate, etc. So help me, if I do not have at least one of my children on my lap for that hayride, I'm going to vomit and call off Christmas. Ahem.

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Two things - I've never revealed our son's name here, and I have absolutely no idea why. Probably because I didn't want to give hope to yet another process until I was sure, sure, sure that were heading down the path of completion. So, without further ado - he will share his fathers name, because it's tradition and because it's a cool name! Anton M.B., V. Confusing - but I'll explain - my AB is a fourth. Our son will be the fifth. To avoid confusion in the house when we're calling out names, we've decided to give him the nickname "Quint", which means five. Love it!

For those curious about our process, at this point, it's anyone's guess. Our paperwork is still at CIS. After a tough ice storm, their offices shut down and the latest is that the gal helping us up there is on vacation until the New Year. Fabulous. Our luck just keeps getting worse.

Regardless, AB has taken a keen interest in the decor of Quint's nursery, as I chose and did all the decor for Keira's room. He has a very strong opinion this time around and why not, it's his son! So, we're going with red, white, and blue - Americana colors. Burnt red, and a beautiful rusty blue. The crib was a gift from yet another very generous family and we are so grateful! All we need are a couple additional pieces of furniture, and we're set! I'll keep you posted on the pics of the nursery as it unfolds - we won't begin that project until the dossier has gone to Ethiopia.

• Grandma Nila treated the babies to some AWESOME Disney dishes. We were at the Disney store and my Mom simply couldn't resist to get Quint and Keira some adorable culinary musts. So as you will see, we have a little bit for each of them. Too stinking cute!!! Thanks Mom - you're the best!

• I found my dearest kitty, Chloe like this on the couch the other day. She didn't bother to move when she saw me and she rather liked me taking her picture, I think. If she had a drink in one hand and the remote in the other, my lifelong suspicions could have been confirmed that our pets really do break the rules when we're not around. just cracked up when I saw her.
  

I love my old girl - today I wandered out to the living room and saw AB on his knees next to her as she lay on the couch and he had the TV paused and was just loving on her. He said "she's a good old cat, honey". I said "I know... she really is". It just made me weepy seeing him love on her, because he's totally not a cat person - but she just has a way about her. Then he said the dreaded thing I fear all the time "this may be our last Christmas together with her - she's old babe". I know - I know...(sob), I said - and she's been whining a lot lately - and in pain. I can't imagine it - but fourteen years together may be winding to a close. I love you, sweet girl - and so does everyone who comes in contact with you. You're a sweet, dear fur baby and we love you! Stay as long as you can...

• On another note, please pray for my Dad - he is back in ICU and many of you know that we spent an arduous month in California back in January at his side as he fought to stay alive. His condition could be very serious this time around, and while he is awake and alert, he is very ill I believe. This is a horrible time to be stuck in the hospital and I'm feeling so badly for him.

And last but certainly not least - I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful time with your families and friends and lots of yummy food and amazing memories!

To all of us waiting for our children - may this Christmas be the last one of it's kind - and next year hold lots of Fisher Price under the tree!

Love and hugs -
C