One amazing Christmas!

Claire is now 2 months old and this has been one of the happiest holidays of my life! She has been an amazing addition to our family and we couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present. It's so weird to think that just a couple of months ago I was dreading another year without a baby. I knew eventually it would happen but the holidays are always hard when you are wishing and waiting for something that everyone else seems to be handed. One thing Darryl and I promised to do was to never forget what it felt like to wait. Not because we want to feel sorry for ourselves or make others feel bad for us but because we want to remember how extremely lucky and blessed we truly are and to never take this little girl for granted. We also want to make sure we are supporting others going through the wait that we had. We know a few other couples going through the adoption or fertility process and we know how hard it is. I want them to know (and they know who they are) that we are praying for them and can't wait for the day to celebrate with them!
I will be honest and say that having a baby is hard work and it's a big change but it is so worth it when you see that little face smile at you for the first time or hear them "coo" at the sound of your voice. Here are some of my favorite moments from this month!

 

Claire sleeping with her mommy! This was one of those, I am so exhausted moments that I just wanted to lay down for a few minutes. My little one felt the same way I guess. :) I love that we are laying in the same pose! And that wasn't even planned! 

 2 Bethany babies! My sister-in-law's boyfriend's brother was in town and he too was adopted through Bethany. It was fun to see Preston holding our little Claire. Preston was visiting from his base in Hawaii and may be sent over seas soon. He is a good man and it just proves that some pretty amazing people in this world are adopted. :)

 I love this one! Claire was laying on her boppy and showing off how she can lift her head already! She is one strong lady!

When I'm home in the morning, I feed Claire and then sit her on my lap to talk or sing for a while. She is always super smiley in the morning. :)

Darryl took this picture and we both immediately changed our backgrounds on our phones to this. She is such a cutie patootie!

She can hold two things at once! Claire is starting to grip things (including Mommy's hair and necklace) but she loves playing under her gym and holding the rings.

Claire attended her first Christmas party and got to meet Santa! Here she is with Hunter at the Geronsin house. I look at this picture and still can't believe all of this is real.

 And here's a fun video of Claire smiling and talking. This is something I just can't get enough of. :)

Though this month has been amazing, we've also needed some much needed prayers for Claire's adoption. Please pray that the rest of this adoption will go as smoothly as it started out, that all paperwork will be signed and mailed to the proper people, and that we can start the finalization process very soon. We are so grateful for all of you who continue to keep us, Claire's birth parents, and Bethany in your prayers. God can do amazing things and our little Claire is proof of that. xoxo