A Special Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!! What a special Christmas we are having this year! Everyone seems to be doing well aside from a few colds, and I am especially enjoying each of the children on their vacation from school! Sarah is fitting in so well that it seems miraculous. She has bonded with our family, and seems to charm everyone she meets. She's such a sweet lovable baby with an adorable, funny personality. She gets a lot of attention everywhere we go. I think at first people are staring at her because of her cleft. Then she shoots them a huge grin and they can't help but smile back. What a gift from God she is!

The boys and Kimberly are doing fantastic too. Jack is still struggling with some separation anxiety, which he has had off and on since I was sick. He also complains of tummy trouble often, and we're thinking that's related. He is still my snuggle bug, even at eight, and I love it! Nathan loves Sarah and smothers her with hugs and kisses. He is adjusting to having to share Mom and Dad a bit. But he's excited to move up to big boy status at the same time. Daniel has really grown up a lot this year, and we are proud of his growth in character especially. He has even been babysitting for me some, and doing a great job. Kimberly is a gem to have around - so fun and helpful for me. It's so cute to see how crazy she and Sarah are about each other, although I think Sarah is finally starting to realize that I am her mother, not Kimberly. Kimberly is growing up too. In fact, we've started looking for a used car, since it will be so helpful for her to drive this April. She's thrilled.

We have had a few doctor visits for Sarah. Her routine blood tests have all come back normal. She will have her first surgery on January 12th to repair her lip. Then she will have another surgery to repair her palate at the end of June. She will probably be getting tubes in her ears during one of those. She also will likely have a nose touch up surgery sometime next fall. I'll keep you posted as her first surgery approaches. Please pray for her as these surgeries are painful, and somewhat complicated. She'll be going to the new All Children's Hospital in St. Pete. We hear it is really nice. Martin or I will stay with her constantly.