Wow. Two months since my last post. The days have been full, to say the least. Mid-November was Lilli's major palate surgery, which went well, thank the Lord. But it did take a while to get back to our routine, and by then it was Thanksgiving and Eric's parents' visit, then just a few more weeks until Christmas, which is always hectic no matter how well you plan. And I usually don't plan all that well! But it was typical Istre chaos, loud and fun and exasperating, and Lilli finally got into the spirit by the end of Christmas morning, ripping paper with glee.
My mom came over early enough to see all the presents unwrapped, we had the traditional Christmas morning omelets, and just had a nice day. Josh was sick and also had to work and Joe and Lisa traveled to be with her family for the holiday. So we all met up on New Year's Day and had a second Christmas at my mom's. It was a great day.
And so now it's 2010, the boys and Eric are back to school, and Lilli and I are alone together once again. She has been home with us for almost exactly five months. I still wake up in the morning and think, "Is this real? She's really home?" But at the same time, it seems so normal that she's here, as if she had been with us all along. She is such a joy, and is learning and growing every day. When we met her in China, the 12-month size clothes we had brought for her hung on her spindly frame. Today, she's in 2T clothes and is chubby. Then, she could barely stand while holding on to something. Now, my favorite sound is the sound of her feet RUNNING through the house.
2009 was such a milestone year for our family in so many ways: We moved into our new house, the one we'd been dreaming of for a decade and constructing for seven months; Eric earned his master's degree; we traveled to CHINA! and met our sweet Lilli Grace. So many good things, so many blessings, and yet it was all so very stressful. I think we are all hoping for a less eventful year this year. But who knows what the Lord has in store? Our goal is to, day by day, rest in His provision and follow His will.
