Happy Thanksgiving - Nov 25, 2010!

We arrived at the door of their group this morning to find Faith getting her blood drawn. One caregiver was holding her and the nurse was drawing blood... She was just sitting there watching them do it... she looked up when we opened the door and the pain did not stop her HUGE smile! She ran to me immediately when finished and it gave Mama a great chance to kiss her hurt finger! As she is hugging me, etc... another caregiver comes out of the other room with her coat on.. saying Stella (Grace) is going to the eye doctor today and they are leaving. About that time here comes Grace all bundled up (like a baby Eskimo) in a blue coat, pants, mittens, etc.. She just grins REALLY big and it's so obvious she's THRILLED to be going. They explain that she's SO excited to get out and get to ride in a car. This is a HUGE deal!! She barely stopped for hugs as she rushed out... I asked if this was her first care ride, but nobody knew for sure.. but, said if it wasn't her first it was most likely only her 2nd or 3rd time to go in a car. I sure wish I could have gone with her... but, soon, very soon Mama will be holding her during all those adventures. We've noticed her poor eye sight and Symbat mentioned this to the caregivers/director. (We didn't know she was going to.. and honestly would have rather she didn't.. :( ) The director got on it right away... asked the caregivers if they had noticed anything and they agreed with us that she puts toys, papers, books, anything she is doing up really close to her eyes. Anyway... we'll see what they say...
So... we had Faith alone today on this Thanksgiving holiday. She was VERY sad from the beginning. We aren't sure if it was having her blood drawn, her sister getting to leave, or her not feeling well. I suspect it was a combination of all the above. She did not want to play with anything... so I just held her and cuddled. She fell asleep in my arms within 5 minutes and slept like a baby for over one hour. :) It was PRECIOUS and I can't say that I was saddened one bit about this... there is nothing sweeter than your new baby girl waking up in your arms... and realizing it... and smiling at you! My heart COMPLETELY stopped beating for several seconds... I got to say.... "It's ok babygirl.. Mama is still holding you. Mama is still here!" She just relaxed back into me... awe... :)
We missed Grace a bunch... and I have to say it was a little sad that today was the day we didn't get to really see her... it Thanksgiving... in my heart I've been saying.. well, we are at least with Faith and Grace on this Thanksgiving..

Here are a few pictures:

Yes, those are tears in my eyes. Phil knows me so well.. and despite him saying.. Babe, don't start bawling... I couldn't help it. The tears were a mixture of emotions... from happiness, to thankfulness, to sadness, to gratefulness, to LOVE! We debated about what to do for Thanksgiving and we both decided to cook something here at the apartment. We bought a chicken from Ruby Com... Here I am taking the 'bird' out of the oven.. It's not a turkey, but hey... it's fairly close! ;)

Phil took a picture of our 'feast'!


Phil is 'carving' our 'bird'! LOL!

Here we took a picture of ourselves before we ate. Bay (and Brook) we used those fancy glasses for you! I have to say that as we sat down to eat... it was pretty sad. We have tried SO hard to stay upbeat and positive today... but, knowing our family is together and we aren't even really "with" Faith and Grace.... well, you can't help but feel a little sadness in your heart! Soon and very soon though... we will all be together! :) It will be even wilder and crazier than ever... with our double trouble girls in the mix! It will be pure perfection!

Happy Thanksgiving to you from our family! Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!