chrisvalier.com

Christmas Morning

Julie — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:01:33 +0000

I have to say that this was the most magical Christmas for Jack! We tracked Santa on Norad and Jack was addicted! We did not do our usual routine for Christmas Eve. We were home and had a nice dinner with Mammaw and Pappaw. So, Jack had plenty of time to ponder Santa’s arrival. He was determined to be awake for the entry of the jolly fat man’s delivery of goods. We attempted to put Jack to bed about ten o’clock. Five minutes later he resurfaced. ” I can’t sleep. Can I see where he is?” He would check the Santa tracker. Finally at 11:30 we said you can no longer check on Santa. He laid on the couch and tried to close his eyes and could not! He began to cry because he could not sleep. He had to know where Santa was and we told him no! You have to go to sleep or he will not come! Finally at 12:30, the sleep fairy graced Jack with some shut eye. And the chorus sang Hallelujah! Mom and Dad could wrap their presents for their little treasures and go to bed! At 1:30am the sleep fairy did not have to pay Mom and Dad a visit. In fact, Chris had to sleep on the couch because Jack finally fell asleep in our bed. Chris swore he had just closed his eyes when Jack tapped him on the shoulder at 7:00am. When Chris saw it was 7:00, he was grateful that Jack had slept in! Well, with all the commotion that Jack had built up for this magical morning, we had our concerns. Will this boy be disappointed? Right before he fell asleep he said something about an iphone and $300. What? As it turned out, he unwrapped and was delighted! He said, “This is the best Christmas ever!” It was such joy in being a part of this entire fiasco. It was so magical, not just for Jack, but for Chris and myself. It was truly a treasure to see Jack so delighted. I hate to think of this magic fading for him. So many times Chris and I looked at each with smiles that expressed how our hearts were feeling. There were no words necessary. We both knew that this is probably the end of the magic for Jack. So, we relished in the moment. Though next year Jack’s perspective may be different, we will have added another little treasure to fill with excitement and wonder! We hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours!

Singing Christmas Cheer for All to Hear!

Julie — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:07:05 +0000

Merry Christmas Everyone and Happy New Year!

Recap of Photos

Julie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:40:32 +0000

The very first time I saw Ava’s face was this picture above. We received Ava’s file and Chris got to it first. He sent me a pic text on my phone. And this is the sweet face that appeared to me the very first time in the sunshine while I was standing in the parking lot at work.

Then when I got home, we opened her file and began to read about her. We found the pictures of her in the stroller. They are so colorful and good. I knew she was ours.

Then, three weeks later we asked if there were any updated pictures of Ava. They sent us this picture. We were so excited! We loved the pigtails! But, she looked older and that just tells me the time is ticking! It has been hard to pass the time. Yet we are so busy with all of Jack and Lauren’s activities. This last picture was from Sept. 10. We have had to wait until Nov. 19 to get more updated photos. It felt like forever!

New Photos of our Girl

Julie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:22:02 +0000

These are the latest photos we received of Ava. She just appears older every time I see her and I want her here so bad! I asked China a few questions and this was the response. She is attached to her foster mother and father. She shares a bed with other children. She doesn’t have a nickname, she is usually called Zhi Hui. When she is upset, she will be comforted by holding her or saying something nice to her. She only gets an occasional cold. She can walk by herself. She is not a picky eater. She has received the album from the family and she is happy when she sees the photos.
It looks like it will be February when we go to China. Our next piece of paperwork takes 3-4 months to process. Dec. 3 will be our three month mark and the last few groups have come in at the full 4 months. So, that is what we are planning on. If it happens sooner, the better. But, if not, nothing we can do. It will happen eventually!

Passing the Time!

Julie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:44:10 +0000

DSCN1968

All of this waiting for Ava is getting me down. The time has moved fast when I think of the kids first 9 weeks of school is over! But, at the same time it is dragging for me. I know you like to see activity on the blog, so, I thought I would give you some! We had so many wonderful pictures from our Lake Rudolph camping trip that I thought I am gonna go post crazy!( when you put an entry on the blog it is called a post for those of you that didn’t know ) So, I hope you enjoy the pictures. After all it is the pictures we enjoy the most. I hope in the next couple of weeks we will receive more pics. of Ava. If you get to the bottom of the blog, don’t forget to click on previous entries, or you will miss out on more pics! Until next time!

Brave!

Julie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:35:35 +0000

DSCN1970

Originally uploaded by ChrisValier

Jack and Lauren were very brave on this ride!

Big Scary Eye!

Julie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:26:54 +0000

This is one of Lauren’s prizes she won at the games we had while camping. AAAAhhh!

Hannah Montana and Pocahontas

Julie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:24:25 +0000

DSCN1954

Originally uploaded by ChrisValier

The girls went trick or treating and then wanted to sit and pass out candy. But, it was their candy they were handing out! Darn, I guess we won’t have halloween candy lasting until Easter this year!

The Boys

Julie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:21:20 +0000

DSCN1914

Originally uploaded by ChrisValier

The boys at the game tent.

Bean Bag Toss

Julie — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:19:15 +0000

DSCN1899

Originally uploaded by ChrisValier

Jack is tossing a bean bag here. Another one of the activities they had for the kids. He won a prize!