It is amazing how westernized the world is now. China is having a huge Christmas eve celebration. When sat down for dinner tonight we were all give Santa hats to wear. Christmas music including Christ the Savior has been playing since we got here. Things have really opened up. Today on my run I saw two retires doing there excesses in park by grabbing their ankles and shaking their hips. I wish I would have had my camera it would have been a youtube hit.
Layla is starting to open up and it is fun to watch. She is show some real skill in judging character. She is in love with Shelley and wants to be with her constantly. I am so thankful to be married to a very gifted mother. It is a special skill that I really admire. Layla is eating from spoon and had some prunes today which had the desired effect. I was reminded of how long a journey this is going to be to restore her to health. She spent most of her days in a crib and she has very little muscle development. It is struggle for her to stand and even sit up for long periods. We are seeing progress but is going to take time. I always forget that my fantasy of swooping in being the hero and everything will be ok is not how it often works. Love is a long term process that comes at a cost. Thankfully this is very worthy one.
Our missing Henry quotient is rising. Now that we have Layla we are ready to head home to be a family. Merry Christmas to you all. We miss you!
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6 comments:
Again, your blog entries make me cry! You are a gifted parent, too, Justin! You two are doing such an awesome job.
(I love how you said the prunes had the "desired effect" classic!!)
Merry Christmas!
Geez...tears everyday. Good tears though. I am so happy that Layla has the TWO of you to take care of her now. When we first had our girls Matt said something like, "They won't always be able to say they love you but they do." It is important to remember that.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Justin and Shelley! I LOVE the fact that I can get an update on you guys whenever I want! I've thought about you often since you left...wondering what emotions and experiences you must be having. I can't believe the waiting period is over. You FINALLY have your Christmas miracle in your arms!! Can't wait for you guys to get back to the states so I can meet little Layla, too. :) Love you both, Megan
justin -- you said it well, it is a rescue over time. Thankfully she has a dad who has tremendous endurace. You and shelly are in our prayers. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!!
I look forward to reading your daily update ... and check back repeatedly until it's there :) It warms my heart to see the steps you're taking forward every day as a family.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!
Hi Justin and Shelly we miss all of you. This has been a whirl wind adventure. We can't wait to join all of you. See you tomorrow or the next morning. Our flight comes in at 8:40 p.m. tomorrow. We are peeling off layers and gettin out the shorts!
God Bless you and Merry Christmas!
Mark, Angie and Chloe Clinton
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