Happy New Year

Happy 2007!!!

2006 was an AMAZING year for us. For those of you who have followed this blog, you know all of the details and how many ups and downs we have had. At the close of 2006, we have so much to be thankful for...but the best of all is our sweet Ian.

The year began with us waiting, not so patiently for Ian's passport to be issued in Kolkata. There was a snag, of course and we were the last ones in our group to get travel clearance. It was grueling for us. Then, finally on Valentine's Day we left for India to meet this incredible baby we had only seen in pictures and video. The trip was long and tiring. When we arrived in India it was beyond description. Kolkata was simply overwhelming. On Friday, February 17th we met the child we had prayed for...our amazing Ian. It was the most incredible day. After 10 days in India we returned to the USA. It was so good to be home.

Of course, being home brought all new challenges for us first time parents. We struggled at the beginning, but all in all...it was better than we expected it to be. Through the year we battled ear infections, colds and the like with Ian. Charlie battled two staph infections. Except for colds and such, I've been pretty healthy. Thank goodness. Ian has adjusted to day care beautifully. Ian has grown from around 18 pounds when we first got home to 25 pounds now. He's developing beautifully and his hydrocephalus is not an issue at all. Ian's buddy, Mia arrived in Oklahoma City just 15 minutes before her first birthday in May. What a wonderful experience to be a part of their homecoming. We have been able to get the two of them together a couple of times since then. We're hoping to see the Tuckers later this month.

The most frustrating thing for us this year was the inability to finalize Ian's adoption in 2006. It's a long, long story and we're extremely irritated. Hopefully we'll be able to finalize sometime soon.

As we head into a new year, we pause to give thanks for a remarkable 2006. We pray that 2007 will be filled with love, laughter, fun and health for all of us. We pray that the families that are still waiting to get guardianship and passports to pick up their children in Kolkata will hear good news this week. And, we pray for all of you...May God continue to bless you and hold you in his loving arms. Happy New Year!!!!