Claire was all set for her first Christmas Concert at school. There was a play and she got cast(without even auditioning) for the part of "The Littlest Angel". She was thrilled and there were a lot of practices. She had a costume and kept trying to tell me what she had to do. So there we were, the night of the concert. The kids were loaded in the car. The girls had special, Christmas dresses they were wearing. Tights and new shoes completed the outfits and everyone was excited. We were running a bit late, but only because the seats with the best view were at a premium and we needed to get there to lay down coats. We got about 4 blocks from home, from the back seat I heard Claire say "Mommy!" I turned around and she threw up. Then she began to cry. Home we went, cleaned her up and into jammies while Kevin took Luke and Catherine to the concert. I guess Claire's theatrical and concert debut will have to wait until next year.
Over the last week we have completed her re-adoption. In China Claire was placed with us and the following day we adopted her under Chinese law. For a variety of reasons and at the recommendation of our agency, we also adopted her under our local state law. This was done on the 21st. Typically a sad day for us as it is the anniversary of a family member's death. But now we have a reason to really rejoice on that day! Here is a picture of our family after the adoption order was signed.
Just a few days later, was Claire's 1st Christmas! She was so excited. She clearly understood what a special day this is. On Christmas Eve she asked me to write a note to Santa for her. It was full of thanksgiving. "Mamma, daddy, thank you so much Santa" she had me write. Christmas day she was so excited about each present and flew into the arms of each giver to hug and thank them. Her joy was really wonderful to watch. You can see how excited she was.
Then the day after Christmas we had Claire baptized. We asked the Dotsons to be Claire's Godparents. They are Tai's parents and if it weren't for Tai and his mom, Claire would not be a part of our family. Who better to stand in that role than the very people who were looking after our child's best interests before she joined our family? It was a really special day and Claire took it all in with a sense of importance, solemnity and reverence . . . .in her own way.
Here is grandpa(who nearly didn't make it due to vandalization of his car) making the sign of the cross on her forehead. Each of us there did this.
I think Claire wasn't quite sure what to think of all of this. Especially when Father asked lots of saints to "Pray for us". This was a special part of the ceremony as he had asked for the names of the people that were going to be there. He then researched who their patron saints were and those were the saints he named.
Here she is being held over the font and being baptized.
Fragrant oil was poured over her head. Looks like she really wasn't impressed with this part. I can only imagine what was going through her head at this moment. I love the smell of the oil and her head still smells like it even though we washed her hair many times.
When it was all over we started taking pictures and the challenge was to get Claire to smile instead of the usual tongue sticking out. This one is a keeper with Fr. Connelly and the Dotsons.
Our new normal is feeling really good. Claire is funny, sassy and so loving. There are times when she just looks at me, throws her arms around me and says "give a hug, mamma I love you." What a beautiful sentence! Kevin and I are getting used to having a third child around, Luke and Catherine are settling into the routine of having to share their domain with someone else and Claire is really doing a beautiful job of adapting to life in a family. She has, by far, had the biggest adjustment.
This amazing year is coming to an end and for all of it's blessings we are so very thankful. We look forward to 2012 and all the adventures that life with our beautiful children will bring.
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