Merry Christmas Eve!

Sitting here alone for a few minutes this morning so I wanted to try to catch everyone up. We have been crazier than normal the last few weeks: Sophia had ear/sinus infection, Romney flu/strep, Abby strep, Anastasia strep, Courtney outpatient surgery, Tim ear/sinus infection... add to that the laptop dying again and you understand why I don't find time to post much!

We made the decision to pull Abby and Romney out of preschool. Abby is going through a 'needy' time and started having problems with not wanting to go everyday. Romney keeps bringing home illnesses. The day I served notice, we received word that the school district is FINALLY opening the special needs preschool class. We plan to enroll Sophia and Anastasia. It is 3 mornings a week. They will receive their therapies during this time. If that goes well, then I will be swapping who is home and who I am running back and forth! I think Abby needs some mommy time though so this is good. We are hoping the preschool will be a good transition before the girls start school next year. We will see...

We have had some progress this month... The girls are settling in, the bullying is slowing down, the smiles are coming more and more. Anastasia is even starting to come out of her shell more and more. She has been the most guarded between the two. We have noticed a big change in her lately.

Both girls are still using sign, but Sophia also talks some (we can understand, but others not as much). Anastasia has had definite improvement with her new glasses. Goes back in Jan to see if she will be able to avoid surgery. Sophia has to have the eye surgery. The cardiologist has given ok on the surgery prior to her heart being repaired. We are going to ENT in Jan though so if tonsils have to come out, they can combine for one procedure. Anastasia had to have her 4 bottom front baby teeth pulled yesterday. She had 2 permanent teeth coming in behind them. She did much better than expected... they didn't have to clamp her mouth open, which is a first. She cried, but that is understandable. She did rather well last night. Looks like the Tooth Fairy came last night. The kids haven't woken up yet to notice. Sophia and Anastasia won't understand what is going on, but the others knew who was supposed to come last night! :)

I am looking forward to the excitement of tonight. We exchange gifts on Christmas Eve at our house. They will get to open everything from us and each other. Shelby, Abby and Romney can't wait another day! If they had to wait any longer, Santa would most likely have one less stop to make! :) Sophia and Anastasia have liked the tree. They haven't bothered the tree or gifts which surprised me some... I guess it helps that the others don't mess with it either. Sophia enjoyed going to see Santa, but Anastasia shook like a leaf. They enjoyed going to the zoo the other night to ride the train and see the Christmas Light Festival. They don't understand that tonight we open gifts, but I'm sure they'll catch on quickly. They don't know what tomorrow morning means for little children, but I'm sure they enjoy themselves when the time comes. Christmas has been more exciting to us this year knowing that we are going to be able to experience their 1st Christmas with them! Especially remembering back and knowing we were getting ready to commit to their adoption this time last year!

Well... the first of the girls has now joined me. I need to go start my day! Merry Christmas to all of you! and... in case you didn't know already "Happy 6th Birthday Sophia" on Saturday, December 26th! It is a big weekend at our house!!!! :)