Journal #214 -

Merry Christmas Everyone! What a special first Christmas is for many of us who came home after Christmas last year, those of you who have just returned, and those of you in Moscow for the most special Christmas of your lives!

Cupcake-This time last year we were counting down until we returned to you. Imagining having to wait to see you brings tears to my eyes. Merry Christmas baby you are the most amazing daughter in the world!

Journal #213

So badly I wanted to post last night but Cupcake and I crashed out about 11 so I never made it to cyberland.

Yesterday was an emotional day for me. Since we have been hitting so many firsts and lasts I have been surprised which days actually make my heart tingle. We met for the very first time in Fryazino, Moscow District Russia on December 7, 2006. Has it really been a year? It seems like yesterday or it seems like a millions years ago. What a time warp! Certainly I do not know life without her and we would like to believe she does not remember life without us.

What has happened in one year since the day we have met our daughter?

Without boring you with a lengthy timeline: Cupcake is walking , talking, going to school, socializing with many friends. She has been back and forth a couple times to Florida, PA, and NY. Her hair has recovered from the Russian cut, she has been eating for the past 2 weeks foods other than mac&cheese,PB&J, grill cheese, and cereal.

Yesterday we had a mommy & daughter day. Lounging all morning and taking a nice ride to NY to visit Baby L for his birthday. Our one year together will be celebrated with a great weekend of parties and friends as tomorrow we head to NJ to visit another Birthday Baby- Can't wait to see you Pebbles!

One year ago Marco was putting our luggage in the car as we were leaving for NY-JFK airport to find our daughter...

Journal #212

FRUA FUNDRAISER- I read this on a Yahoo Group this morning. I am sure FRUA would appreciate if we circulated this through Bloggerland. Many of us relied on FRUA to find Agency information, families in our regions. IA Doctors, and travel advice from those who have BTDT. Please feel free to cut & paste as I have.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the East of Europe

Twas the night before Christmas In the East part of Europe,
The cold wind was whipping the deep snow in currents!
No stockings were hung by a chimney with care,
As the orphanage children had nothing prepared!

Grandfather Frost would be a most welcome sight,
But they feared he would forget them on this precious night!
They all nestled down in their beds so bare,
And prayed that God would hear their prayers!

Their dreams were the same...the girls and the boys,
They wanted a family to love them...not toys!
They wanted more food to fill up their tummies,
And warm clothes were needed more than treats that were yummy!

The Caretakers loved every child in care,
And hoped that a family would someday come there,
To pick up their baby...they've waited so long,
And the child would grow and one day be strong!

It's said that you can't save the world by yourself,
But buying some coffee or tea from FRUA would help!
Grandfather Frost and his little Snow Maiden,
Will forever be grateful for gifts you have laden!

Now dash away, dash away, dash away All...
To frua.org instead of the mall!

By Sandy Davis
FRUA-St. Louis Chapter
Help support FRUA's Orphanage Support Program!
Shop the Coffee & Tea Store for holiday gifts for everyone onyour list...teachers, babysitters, co-workers, friends and family! Order your Coffee & Tea online at www.frua.org<http://www.frua.org/> . Give a gift with meaning and bring some hope into a child'slife!