Sweet Kisses for Hannah

I am amazingly blessed to have family and friends surrounding and supporting me throughout my adoption of Hannah! I can honestly say that not a day goes by without someone telling me that they're praying for us or, asking how the adoption is going and truly caring about the answer. Some people choose not to share there adoption journey with others but I'm am so thankful that I have shared this and for the amazing support and love that is showered on me daily. I've teased that if you stop at a red light beside me, before it turns green you'll know that I'm adopting! :o)

Today was one of those days when I was thankful that I had shared my news with those around me. Through my friend Norma, I have gotten to know a wonderful gal who owns the Tim Horton's behind our building. You know from my history that I go there occasionally all the time! The girls behind the counter ask for an update often and another huge supporter is Ann, the owner. In fact, Ann had the amazing priviledge of touring China last month and she said that during her time there she thought of Hannah.

Today Ann did something that blessed my heart. It was a little action but brought tears to my eyes. Next week is 'Send a Kid to Camp' week and one of the fundraisers that is already in progress is that people can donate a loonie and put their name on a paper tent. I filled out my tent a couple of days ago and signed it 'Hannah's Mommy.' This morning when I was ordering my coffee one of the gals said, I put your tent in the doorway so that you could easily find it. How sweet! There are hundreds of tents decorating the store but this gal took the time to remember where she put mine and tell me about it when I came in. After picking up my coffee I went over towards the doorway to see Hannah's tent and there it was. Ann noticed me and asked which tent was mine and I pointed to it. She quickly realized which one it was and she called out to me, 'Sweet kisses for Hannah!' and kissed her hand and touched the tent not just once, but twice. It was a loving gesture in the midst of their coffee break rush that took seconds but, has come to mind over and over today and caused me to smile each and every time. My daughter is already loved....and I am so blessed by those who love and care about her.

Ann, thank you. Thank you for caring; for asking how it's going and supporting me during the wait. You and the great gals who work in your store are an important part of my journey to Hannah and I cannot wait to bring her in and introduce her to you! When she's ready, you can plant those sweet kisses on her cheek!

Christmas Tree Challenge *Updated*

**Links to those who have accepted the challenge can be found at the bottom. If you wish to be added, please send me an email/comment and I'll be happy to add you! Thanks to everyone who is participating! Also, it is open to anyone who wishes to participate. If you're a waiting family or one who is home celebrating with your child in your arms, it's for you too! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!**

I've decided to issue myself (and anyone else who wishes to take it on too) a Christmas Tree Challenge.

With this wait getting longer, longer and l-o-n-g-e-r I think a number of us are struggling with the thoughts of spending one more Chirstmas without our child. I'll admit this has been a really, really hard week for me too. I've finally faced the fact that not only will Hannah not be with me this Christmas but there is a great possibility that she won't be here next year either. That's a tough pill to swallow. This is the 2nd Christmas I'd anticipated spending with her so to know she won't be here for #2 and quite likely #3 is yucky...just plain old yucky!

I continue to trust God's perfect timing but He also created me with all the normal emotions a gal faces and the feeling of emptiness that sometimes creeps in is pretty normal I'm guessing.

So, in order to get myself in the proper mood and realize that I have a TON of things to be thankful for this Christmas (including the day in the future when Hannah and I are brought together!) I've decided that I need to set up the Christmas tree and decorate the house! I need it for so many reasons.

So my challenge to those who wish to accept it is to put up your tree too. Do it for yourself. You deserve it!

When you've put it up, take a picture and share it on your blog. It's such fun seeing everyone's beautiful trees. We have much to celebrate and be thankful for and for that reason, my tree will go up...next weekend! LOL! I'm away this weekend but next Saturday will be the day. Hope it snows!!

Who's in?

Here are links to those who have chosen to participate in the Christmas Tree Challenge:
Abby's Adoption Story
Pregnancy by Adoption
Two Kayaks
Waiting for Lauren Elizabeth
Mother, Mother Ocean
Journey to Annaliese
Secret Recipe for a Hoppe Family
Our Journey to China
Imagine Alyzabeth An
My Red Thread to Ava Grace Ya Han
Jensen's Journeys
Life With Briana
Made in China
Life's Scatters
3D's Adoption Journey
Stories of Life in the Middle of Adoption
The Priceless Princess
Mother & Daughter

PS - If I've missed anyone, please let me know. If you did a Christmas tree post but didn't mention the challenge I didn't add a link here. I figured I couldn't claim every Christmas tree going up as a response to my little challenge! LOL!

And yes, it's now Monday evening and the box with my tree is still tucked away in the basement. That should change soon though.