Merry Christmas

Oh what a wonderful holiday! Erich, Logan, and I had a great time enjoying the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savoir! Christmas Eve we went to the Lynch side of the family and enjoyed yummy schnecken from a local bakery. Thanks Dad! It was way yummy! We even got to take an extra loaf home (it didn't last too long :). Karen, Phil, and the kids were there. Logan was very patient with opening his gifts. He was very good all day! Afterwards, we went to Oma and Opa's. Neil, Kelly, & kids; Tante & Onke; Uncle Eddie & Steph, Lisa & Jeff, and Michael were there as well. We greatly enjoyed everyone's company throughout the day.

The next morning, Logan slept in until 8:30! I was not very impressed with having to wait so long to open presents! However, Erich enjoyed his extra sleep. Before we open gifts, we always sing 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus in the nativity. It is our way of reminding ourselves that the day is to honor and worship Jesus, not just opening gifts & Santa. It is a tradition from Erich's childhood that we hope the kids to do with our grandkids (all in good time!). We went to mass and sat as a family. This is unusual since Erich sings in the choir. However, the mass we go to on Christmas Day is the children's choir. It is very lovely. Jim Abele's daughter did a great job! We had lunch at Tante & Onke's. Baby Alex enjoyed champagne. He was a hoot to watch! Uncle Eddie sat of the floor and played video games with Lisa'a boys. Erich & Neil helped Joseph with his cool new dragon game. I'm not sure who had more fun with the game! It was a wonderful meal and company. From there we went to the extended Geoppinger side of the family. Erich and I always enjoy getting updates and talking with the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Logan had a great time playing with all the toys at Uncle Tom & Aunt Jewell's house. He and Daniel played well together.

We are still waiting on information on Maelynn. This was posted by our agency on our yahoo group:
. . . For families waiting for referrals, it is our understanding that the CCAA is working hard trying to send out another group of referrals by the end of the year. We still anticipate receiving referrals for the rest of April 2005 LID families in this upcoming group. We can't wait to call families with the good news! . . .

What this could mean is that information is sent this week to all the agencies. However, our agency is closed early on Friday and all day on Monday. They need a well deserved break. However, there is still a lot to do once CCAA mails the info. It all must be translated. They will translate the basics first (name, birthday, orphanage, etc) so the coordinator can call the new parents (that's us!). Then it will take a day or two to translate the rest of the information. Ugh! It's the whole hurry up and wait syndrome. However, we do expect to be next and can then expect to travel in March. The thought that keeps me going is that I get to buy an Easter dress for my girl! The thought of it has this sleep deprived girl smiling lots!

Robin
PS - Check back often as I'll be posting more and more as things get closer and start happening!

Mid-December - 1 month to go!

Sorry I have not posted in sooooo long! We did not make the latest cut off either. The CCAA has slowed down. I'm told they are accepting adoptive parents from more countries. They are still sending out the same number of children so they have not slowed down in that respect. This means more children with have Forever Families! Referrals received in December went through LID's of 4/14/05. The good news is that WE ARE NEXT!! We expect to hear something in January and travel in March.

Other news: We are moved in and ready to celebrate Christmas. Logan is very excited! And he thinks of his sister often. He was very adamant that she had to have a stocking as well. We let him pick it out last night. We are trying to take a step back and just enjoy life, friends, and the wonderful holidays. Life will be chaos starting in January. It is great living in Sharonville. We are so close to all of our evening activities.

Monday night, I met my mom and sister at Perkins in Eastgate. It was a special night at a special location. You see, 9 years ago, my niece was born (12/7/96). We use to have 'girls night out' for dinner and dessert at Perkins. Miranda would come with us while Karen's other kids were with their dad. Then, 8 years ago, precious Miranda passed into God's arms (12/12/97). Our memories of her are still fresh. You can go here to see her picture: http://www.lifecnt.org/donorquilt.html. Please read about Life Center and organ donation. It is the most wonderful gift of life you can give someone.

Blankets are rolling in! We are sending a donation of blankets to Maelynn's orphanage to help keep the children warm. We will send it in January once we know what orphanage she's in. If you would like to donate, please let us know!

Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth!
Robin