Thankful

I'm thankful for...

...a husband who puts our daughter's hair in pig tails, likes to cook, and puts up with me.

...my 14 year old son who will still hug and kiss me goodnight, plays a mean guitar and drums, and is an amazing big brother.

...my 12 year old daughter who's a kick ass soccer player, a beautiful young woman, and a leader at school.

...my 10 year old daughter who is comfortable in her own skin, a fierce competitor, and the best big sister Keeghan could ever have.

...my 2 year old princess who makes me laugh during the day, keeps me up at night, and is the perfect completion to our family.

...the best friend a girl could ask for who always has my back, can always make me laugh, and loves my kids as much as I do.

...the amazing families I travelled to China with. I hope you are all enjoying your first Thanksgiving home with your girls!

...my little sister who is going through some tough stuff but is still as beautiful as always.

...many co-workers that I love.

...the ability to hit the gym or go for a run everyday.

...all that adoption has brought to our family.

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

This time last year...

I was a maniac. Packing and re-packing and packing again. And working and working and working. It's so hard to believe that Keeghan has been with us for almost a year. I totally remember this time last year putting a ton of paperwork together, getting my Visa, trying to get everything for Keeghan and I in one bag under 44lbs. Now, Keeghan is here and we're getting ready for the holidays. Last year was such a hustle of Thanksgiving and Christmas is a jet lagged blur for me. I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year. Having a toddler in the house again will be fun. We're starting to talk up the Christmas tree and presents and Santa in the hopes that she'll have a clue. We went and visited Santa at the mall last night and it went...ok. Keeghan wasn't fond of the idea of sitting on Santa's lap even with her brother and sisters. So we ended up sitting the girls in Santa's chair while Devon and Santa stood up to the side to get a picture. All good with me. I have no need to traumatize my kids over a picture, but I am glad we got one.

And we even gave Santa a fist bump...after he gave us candy!

A Year of Firsts

Our first year with Keeghan is slowly coming to an end. We've had a first Christmas, first words, first time sleeping in her crib, first time on a slide, first Easter, first trip to the beach, first hug and kiss and we still have a few firsts to come. Keeghan was home for Christmas last year but I honestly don't really remember last Christmas so I'm pretty sure Keeghan doesn't either. We'd only been home a week and jet lag was still killing us. Keeghan opened presents and seemed to enjoy that but this year I really think will be fun. The other day in the mall Keeghan spotted the huge wreaths hung from the ceiling with red and green Christmas balls on them...she looked up and said "Ohhhhhhh". I'm sure as more decorations show up she'll be more excited about them. She loves to cook so baking will be, ah fun? I'm sure she'll want to be in the thick of it. And I really can't wait to see the kids Christmas morning. I think the big kids will be excited to watch Keeghan open her gifts. We're looking forward to celebrating one year as a family of 6...and many more firsts with our littlest princess.

Mine!

That's Keeghan's new word. Most Moms don't want their 2 year old announcing "MINE" about things because they can be obstinate little things when it comes to words like mine and no. I, however, am thrilled that Keeghan has learned "mine". She spent 16 months in an orphanage where nothing was hers. She shared everything I'm sure. I saw the room she got to play in and there were probably 15 toys in there...and at least 10 kids. So, this morning, when she told me her lollipop was "mine". I smiled and said, "Yes, that's yours.".

Keeghan has also started to become possessive of me : ) If one of the other kids is getting my attention while I'm holding Keeghan she gets a bit annoyed. Carson gave me a hug yesterday while Keeghan was on my lap and Keeghan yelled "NO" and tried to hit Carson. I told Keeghan that I was Carson's Mama too and we could share...that I love Keeghan but that I love Carson too. Then we had a group hug : )

We are certainly seeing more of a 2 year old personality coming out. Devon asked me tonight why Keeghan was being so difficult. I'm certainly not 100% sure but I suspect now that she is comfortable with us and feels safe that she is willing to be a 2 year old...throwing a fit when she's not getting her way or telling you "NO" if she doesn't like something. BUT we also get to see the fun side of Keeghan as well. Her smile lights up her face and her giggle is contagious. She's an amazing little girl and we are so lucky to have her as ours.

Halloween

We are having a tough tough week. I'm not sure if Keeghan isn't feeling well or is cutting teeth or if it's something else but I pretty much have to be standing up holding Keeghan for her not to be screaming. I get a break or two here and there but these moments of her "losing it" are very difficult. Keeghan doesn't have the verbal skills to tell us what's wrong and much to my dismay I'm not a mind reader. She hasn't been sleeping well and is getting up really early. It's tough. I'm hoping it's just teeth or whatever cold is going around and we'll be over it soon.

The princess did go out trick or treating for a bit Saturday night. She certainly loves "nandy" so that made it all worth it for her. She did NOT love the Tinkerbell dress, but I sure did : ) She looked dang cute and did a great job of saying "trick or treat" and "thenk you".