Thanksgiving.....

My mother passed away five years ago in the days before thanksgiving so since that time this holiday had become one that we didn't always look forward to. However this year while it is still bitter, it has now also become sweeter because of a little boy waiting in a far away place with many family members and friends who are also anxiously waiting. As I already posted earlier this week I received 18 new photos from another parent (Thank you again Lea) and tonight from Helene at TDH I received 7 more photos of Matteo that somehow were never given to me. These were taken on August 17 at his medical. So now I have photos of Matteo at 3 weeks, 2.5 months, and 4 months. This is great and something to be so very thankful for as I know Matteo will value these quite a bit. The same nounou is in the recent 4 month photos and the 2.5 month photos, so I will definitely have to find out who she is as she seems to be his primary caregiver.

I am hoping to hear something more concrete this week about what stage the investigation is at and travel timelines, etc......

....For now there is so much to be grateful for and to look forward to as I still continue to get ready for motherhood. Today I picked up a few items that will be needed: a stroller from my sister Maria that she used for my niece Lucia; a neighbour gave me a rocking swing she had used for her child; and another friend's cousin will be giving me the playpen she used for her child.

Additionally I wanted to post some photos of some extra special surprise gifts that have been given to Matteo.

A handmade quilt from Ariella. She told me she chose special colours that are meaningful in the Asian culture. I will have to try to get more information on that. She is very specialized with textiles so this is so very special.



A first photo album from Dominique which came in the mail and was such a surprise. I now have lots of photos to start organizing....



...and finally a bilingual fridge toy, a special frame, a fleece blanket wrap around for the carriage, a dragonfly mobile and paperweight, a small elephant baby rattle and a first lion bank with Matteo's name engraved, and not to mention 4 lovely board books all from Marsha and Julianna...."Goodnight Moon," "The Runaway Rabbit" "Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, " and "You are my I love you." Of course I also want to thank Soloman, a little boy that lives near Marsha, who wanted to gift to Matteo two dvds, Baby Bach and Baby Mozart from Baby Einstein's Musical Adventures that he said he is done using....so that was sweet!...





Therefore there is much to be grateful for and I am especially grateful for family and friends who help make the waiting bearable ...

So I do hope everyone has had a good holiday weekend and that our agency director (who should be back from Vietnam) has brought with her many referrals and travel dates for all the waiting parents...!!