Christmas greetings

Today I have been doing what many other women do on Christmas Eve; baking and completing the last minute preparations for the big day tomorrow. As I go through my day I can't help but let my mind wander to how thankful I am to have two beautiful and bright daughters. I don't stop there as I feel as if there are two family members missing from our home today. We still have yet to meet the boys due to more bumps in the adoption process. I don't understand how I feel so close to the boys when I truly do not know them yet. I don't know if they like the crust cut off their toast, or if they even like toast. All of the little things which a mom knows about her children.
We initially found out about the boys a year ago on December 17th. I showed Chad the picture of the oldest brother, and from that moment on we made a vow to give him and his brother a family. Chad's commitment to the adoption has never wavered; he has been the wind to keep my sailboat moving forward. We were both initially very disappointed in late November when we were informed we would not be traveling to Siberia until the beginning of 2011. We have had the time to let things sink in. I have thought of the families which are traveling to Siberia this month so that they can pick up their children to have them home for Christmas. These families have been waiting just as we have so I wish them all a joyful Christmas.
So today, I wish our boys in Siberia a Merry Christmas. We know that they will be with us next year. Imagine, they have never celebrated Christmas as we do here. It will be quite an experience.
As far as a timeline, we expect to travel to Siberia in late January; we don't care it will be bitterly cold and the roads will be treacherous. We will get to meet our boys!!! We will officially sign our intent to adopt and come back home. The entire trip will last about a week. We will spend only about eight hours with the boys during the first trip. We will then return home to wait AGAIN for our court date. The second trip will culminate with court where we will be granted the adoption decree. This trip typically occurs about three months after the first trip. The boys will have another birthday before we are able to bring them home.
Merry Christmas.... and hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2011.