

A year after our second son was born, we made the decision to adopt from Ethiopia. We were initially told we would probably have our baby home by Christmas. We had several unexpected delays that prevented that from happening. So, we also have a “Waiting for Baby 2005” ornament on our tree. This year and from now on, there will be no more “Waiting for Baby” ornaments. All of our children are home. Our family is complete and it feels so good. While I was trimming the Christmas tree this year, it felt a little odd to put those three ornaments on the tree. Some would say that’s in the past, that maybe I should put those ornaments away and just move on. For me they are a reminder that our 2nd and 3rd child were in our hearts long before they were in our home.
We also now have a lot to celebrate in our house at Christmas time. Two of our three children have Christmas birthdays. Our daughter will have her first birthday this Christmas Eve. Our oldest son will then turn 7 on December 28th. Those are a lot of presents to buy! Our relatives must hate us at Christmas time, though I must admit they have been so good about giving both a birthday and Christmas gift to my oldest son each year, so I am sure they will do the same for our daughter.
Now I look at our mantel and see the 5 stockings hanging. One for each of us. It looks so beautiful, so complete. This year as we celebrate Christ’s birth, I will also thank Him for the amazing gift of my three children that He has given me in three wonderful ways. One by birth, one through open adoption, and one from Ethiopia. This Christmas is truly special.