Life is full of changes. Especially people... People come and go through our lives. Some stay for years on end, becoming part of the daily routine. While others are friends enjoyed for a phase of life, and as that phase ends, the friendships drift away.

Managers (bosses) are similar- they come, they go. Sometimes you're relieved to see them go. Sometimes your a bit bummed. Sometimes, after they've moved on and you've moved on, you develop a friendship. That was the case with J. Great manager, really nice guy. And this week, he left the company to go work in Texas. I'm happy for him and his family, and the opportunity this gives him. But as I checked my mailbox at work today, I noticed an inter-office envelope waiting for me. No return mailbox listed. Opening it, I found a note, and a package of cider spice which I got him hooked on a few years back. The realization hit, that in all likelihood, I will never see J again. Having left the company and moved to another state, we will probably never again share stories of our goofy labs and commiserate in the general comercialization of mainstream Christian non-fiction.

I think back to a college roommate who stood up in my wedding, but haven't heard from in 8 years. I wonder where she is, what she's up to. Other college friendships remain, so much so that their numbers are listed in my cell phone. What makes some friendships lasting and others simply drift away?

I can stretch my memory back to my high school years, and the youth group leaders who made such a difference in my life. I hear from them every now and then. We exchange Christmas cards and I laugh and cry with them over the events of the year listed in their newsletters or such. They made such a difference in my life, so many years ago.

I suppose this is the time of year to remember those old friendships, and people who have drifted from our lives. Remember the late night study marathons, the youth group lock ins, the late nights figuring out work problems, and say a little prayer. That they might know you still care - where ever they are.

What kids bring home from daycare...

How can it be?? How can such a little boy create such havok!?! Nothin' like a little stomach flu to brighten your weekend. I have the gag reflex of a first trimester pregnant woman (no clues, it's just an analogy folks!) - so watching, witnessing, cleaning up after, stomach flu 'messes' is not exactly a lot of fun. Then again, I suppose if you had the stomach of a shark - it still wouldn't be fun.

It's one thing to watch a little one go through such torment. But exactly why did I think I would be immune to such bugs?? My mother's well put advice about pre-emptive Pepto doses was just a little too late. Before I knew it - I was worshiping the porceline goddess, and so was Craig. Of course - we were trying to take turns in our one bathroom house. Ever setting an example for sharing. Emmett, being over the worst, lay blissfully asleep in his bedroom. The worst part was when he woke up! Energetic kid versus very sick parents. My normal bouncey kid, and his parents unable to move from constant ab workouts in the oh-so-abnormal way. It's one thing to know you look like... well.. ya don't look good. But when you're three year old asks "you ok, Umma?" you know you've got problems! Thank the LORD for parents close by. Grandma and Grandpa to the rescue! I haven't been that exhausted since...well, the day we arrived home from Korea.

The carnage you ask? Well, all things considered, we've survived. Two days off from daycare for Emmett, one day of missed work for Craig and I, and about half a dozen garbage bags. The washing machine has had quite a workout - my bathroom has almost more clorox cleaning solution on it than tile, and I must call up and personally thank whomever invented the clorox wipes. Thank you - whoever you are!

Well, on the other side of the illness, I can say I'm glad to be functioning. The appetite is long gone - I don't want ice cream for a while now (last thing eaten before onset). I'm pretty sure I've lost a few pounds over the whole thing - all my pants keep sliding down! But I'll tell ya - give me the pounds if it means I can avoid THAT!

Firsts

Tonight, I received my first kiss. From my son, that is. Without prompting or requesting - just a spontaneous kiss on the cheek. I know that we have missed so many 'firsts' of Emmett's. We never saw his first steps, his first tooth, his first bath. We have to make our own firsts - some are standard, and some are more specifically the adoption breed of firsts.

I'm sure that for parents of biological children, the first hug from your baby is precious, as is your first kiss. For AP (adoptive parents), especially those of us who have intercountry adoptions - the first time your child calls you Mommy or Daddy (i.e. English) has special meaning. The first time they hug you without prompting - or as tonight, kiss you on the cheek, can be an attachment milestone. There is something precious in that little hand reaching out for yours. Something grand in the knowledge that, although no one else can understand what he's saying, we can.

So I'm marking this day in my history. Three months and 1 day since landing in this strange country, my little jumping bean kissed me.

Where's Emmett?


















Surprise















Gotta love my monkey backpack





















Playin' with Linaea!


















I'll put this one right here - or maybe there?

The tree is up, most of the presents are wrapped, Emmett has had his first snow day, and now - we're all tired! Why are the holidays so busy? I know I do this to myself, fairly regularly actually, but can I get off the express train now??

I've deprived the webworld of recent Emmett pictures, so I'll throw a few on today. Speaking of today, we have our 2nd post-placement visit from our social worker. Can't believe it's been almost 3 months since we brought Emmett home. I can't say it seems like he's always been here, because he hasn't, and my life pre-motherhood was good and his life before me deserves it's own respect. We didn't bring Emmett into our lives to save him from anything. We wanted to love a child, and God choose Emmett. Can it be that simple and yet that complicated?

I've been reading a blog recently from an amazing writer. Who also is an adult Korean adoptee:
http://twicetherice.wordpress.com/ Her recent post about the celeb-adoption craze expressed exactly what I've been feeling about the whole thing. Maybe I'm jealous, that the Angelinas and Madonnas don't have to go through months of interviews to prove they're good enough, months of waiting for their referral calls, more months waiting for their travel calls. But when I think of the scrutiny that we faced getting our home study approved, it bothers the heck out of me that they don't go through the same process. And really - let's think about this - our social worker was concerned that our small house church was a cult because it is non-denominational. But apparently multiple intimate partners, constant travel, paparazzi chases, and the life of a celebrity is perfectly ok. Did I miss something here folks??? Wealth is not what is going to fix a child's life. Wealth can't undo years of neglect. Has Madonna participated in "holding time" in order to attach to little David? Has Angelina worked through attachment activities with Maddox? Zahara? Do they have any intention of helping these kids understand the culture that is their birth right? Ah - just bugs me.

Sorry, I apparently got on my soap box for a bit. I promise pictures soon. Off to clean the place before the social worker things we're crazy.