Well, apparently NOT “Damina”! 
The girls were pretty thrilled when we went to visit Santa yesterday afternoon. Sugar was surprised that his nose was “just like hers”; I think she had Santa and Rudolph mixed up. Spice was the braver one, as per usual, and sat on Santa’s lap and chatted with him. Sugar said she was “a little shy” and just sat on Mommy’s lap (the only reason we are in the picture too!)
The girls are really into Christmas - we decorated the tree, went to a Christmas puppet show, and the girls bundled up to their nosehairs so they could come outside while we strung up the lights. It’s -12 and windy in Kelowna right now - our version of really stinking cold! but it couldn’t wait much longer. (Sugar kept bugging me how our neighbors had them up but we didn’t yet.)
They’ve also been making presents for everyone, as Jrock and I started to get a little disenchanted by the money/consumerism last year. We made a vow that our presents would be homemade or benefit a charity. Anyway, all our presents this year are made by Sugar Elf and Spice Elf. I can’t show you pics of their creations, cause it would take away all the surprise! But for three year olds, they sure are making some awesome gifts.
For all of you parents-to-be waiting for referrals or court: Last year was a terrible Christmas. I was so bummed. But this is already a thoroughly enjoyable one, and we’re only at Dec 10! So chin up, my waiting friends… next year will be awesome.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Your stories and pictures make me feel hopeful. Enjoy this very special first Christmas with your adorable girls!
December 10th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Thanks for the ‘chin-up’ I needed that literally and figuratively!!! It is great to see that it WILL happen and it is worth the wait, stress and tears. Your family is ADORABLE!!!
L
December 10th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Oh Nicky! They are just so cute! And thank you for you reminder that it will happen for us someday. Last Christmas I was quite sure that we would be celebrating a referral from Ethiopia by this Christmas at least, if not a baby home. Then in August when we signed on with Florida, I had a faint hope that perhaps we might get a nice surprise before Christmas still. But it seems that is not to be and I have been feeling a bit bummed about Christmas this year. I like your Christmas present idea a lot. I have not bought one Christmas present yet this year because I just haven’t really seen the point. And I wouldn’t have put up the tree at all, but Derrick wanted to. This it totally opposite from the way we usually are where I’m begging for him to help me with the tree and he’s showing indifference. But your post did bring me hope. Perhaps next Christmas will be the one we’ve been waiting for these four Christmases since we decided to start a family. I must cling to that hope! Have a WONDERFUL Christmas with your girls. I know it will be very special.
Alysia
December 11th, 2009 at 12:45 am
I’m glad you had a positive Santa experience. I took Sylvie and there was much crying and screaming. Not really sure why as a short time before, while we were waiting in line, she climbed up into the lottery booth at the mall and would have sat on the lottery cleerk’s lap had I not stopped her. Merry Christmas to you all!
December 11th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Thanks for the chin up !
Mine sure is even if this is not how I imagined this Christmas to be.
It has been a year of shock and new found hope.
Enjoy each moment. I have loved the updates of the girls and I am amazed at much they understand and there joy jumping around talking about Santa!
I think I also want some crackers and jingles bells this year as well.
Happy gift making in the workshop ( I am sure they will be a million times better than any gift money could buy ! )
Shannon ps who just dreamed last night that we had an update from Imagine and they had referrals for everyone !!!!!!!!!!!! They just needed some help to process them all. What a flight that would be at the airports.
pps Just saw “Hold on to your kids” on your book list. Good book I use it a ton at work as I work with parents and child development.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Great Picture! The kids loved seeing it.
And -12? You lucky ducks! We’ve been in the minus 20’s. Eskedar said, “Mummy, this sure is a cold summer!”
You’re so right about the waiting. Last year we didn’t want anything to do with Christmas. This year it’s magical.