Looking Back

I've tried to reflect on 2008 several times over the past week, but only one thing keeps coming to mind. This year will always be the one in which Firefly joined our family. Everything else just sort of fades away in comparison.

I looked back through the archives (a surprisingly quick read--I was awfully quiet this year) and pulled out some of my favorite posts from each month:

Last January, we were in the final stretch of our wait for Firefly and I was full of conflicting emotions. Meanwhile, Puppy was bonding with his first dad.

In February, Firefly became our daughter, even though we didn't deserve her.

A few weeks later in March, Ms B brought Firefly an amazing gift.

In the midst of babywearing bliss one April morning, I went out topless in front of my elderly neighbor.

In May I was getting sappy at the photographer's studio while Puppy was staging a toddler revolution.

Watching the children interact as big brother and little sister is still as restorative as it was that day in June.

I often think about this conversation in the church bathroom from July and wonder what happened to that mother.

August brought one perfect still moment, thirty-three years in the making. This post makes me tear up every time.

I thought you would roll your eyes at my advice from September on supporting family members who are adopting but instead you said, "Amen!" and added some advice of your own.

October found me remembering Puppy's birth day.

In November I learned that I will never do NaBloPoMo again. But the DIY revocation period discussion was interesting.

This December, I learned how love opens itself up to the unexpected joys that change sometimes brings.

Happy New Year to you all--it's been wonderful to travel the past twelve months with you. May we all discover new joys in 2009.

An Evening Conversation

Puppy: Ray didn't come to the house today.

Me: I know, sweetie. He was on his way here this morning and his car broke. He tried to find another way to see us, but it didn't work out.

Puppy: He can come tomorrow.

Me: No, buddy, we're leaving on the airplane tomorrow. So we wouldn't be here to see him.

Puppy: Why didn't he come after his car got fixed?

Me: He wanted to find a way to come, but he had to spend a lot of time dealing with his car. He was really disappointed. And I'm sad, too.

Puppy: Why are you sad?

Me: Because I like Ray a lot and it's been a long time since we've seen him. I was looking forward to seeing him today. And I'm sad because I know how much he wanted to see you.

Puppy: I want him to come.

Me: I know, buddy. I know.

Mixed Signals

We are in Southern California for Christmas II right now. The temperature here is over twice what it was the day we left home, so if you are trying to find us, we're the ones wandering around in short sleeves amidst all the people in puffy coats.

I'm writing this furtively on my in-laws' computer. My online world is super duper top secret as far as family is concerned, and I have every intention of keeping it that way. Which generally isn't that hard to do, until you are staying at their home.

Puppy's first mom came over tonight with her parents and the new baby. The conversation stayed pleasant. The sister-baby was passed around, presents were exchanged. Her mom engaged quite a bit with Puppy and seemed to genuinely enjoy the whole evening. Puppy and Firefly were their charming selves.

K talked with T and me, she talked with T's parents, she played some with her daughter and with Firefly. And she never interacted directly with Puppy except for the two minutes we asked to take some pictures.

Eeps, someone is coming down the hallway, so I must hide all evidence of my sneaky blogging. Puppy's first dad arrives in the morning and I am so looking forward to seeing him.

P.S. She was really excited about the hand-me-down shirts.