December started out with some cool weather and our first trip to Sea World. Libby is a little too young to appreciate it all, but she still seemed to enjoy it. Billy and I loved it! We got to pet the dolphins and watch Shamu. We walked all over the place checking it out for future trips. It was chilly out, but we bundled Libby up from head to toe and she was so cute!
Grammy and Papa Boots along with Aunt Wendy and Uncle Robbie and Cousin Brooke sent lots of Christmas presents for Libby. So in Mid-Dec. we set aside a night for Libby to open them. We took lots of video of the evening, but forgot to use the camera. I don't know what we were thinking!! At least it's on video. Libby received so many wonderful gifts. She got a Little Mermaid Kitchenette, a grocery cart and lots of plastic veggies and fruits, a stroller for her baby dolls, a pink teddy bear, a Little Mermaid tent to play in, and a Little Mermaid CD player, some clothes and more. Libby mostly enjoyed pulling all the gift paper out of the gift bags.
On Dec. 14th. Mrs. Shirley Kaats and Kristi Hobbs threw a Sip-n-See where some of our closest friends could spend some time getting to know Libby. The food was scrumptious and it was so good to have all the ladies together. Libby wore a pink dress/tutu from China and was a doll. Mrs. Kaats had special wall hanging made for Libby's room and all the ladies signed it. Thank you Mrs. Kaats and Kristi!!
Later that evening I (Cindy) attended the ornament exchange with the other San Antonio Adoptive moms that meet once a month. I love these ladies!! And we had a blast. Dee, thanks for opening your home to us. It was a great party!
On Dec. 20 we flew to SC to visit my family. This was Libby's first trip to SC. We stayed with my parents and everyday we spent time with family - whether shopping, eating, whatever - we were with family and enjoying them while we could. We don't get to go to SC often enough. Aunt Becky and Aunt Carissa threw a drop-in party so our friends and family in Charleston could all meet Libby. Libby wore a red Christmas dress and her squeaky shoes which everyone got a kick out of. People were not supposed to bring gifts - but they did anyway and once again Libby was spoiled with new clothes and toys! Thank you Aunt Becky and Aunt Carissa for all your hard work.
One night we all piled in a car and visited James Island Park to see all the Christmas lights. Libby got to ride on her first Merry-Go-Round. She was terrified, but oh-so-cute!
Christmas Eve is the big night for the Graham family. All the family on my dad's side come together and exchange gifts and eat fattening foods. We all open our gifts at the same time so it's loud and chaotic and so much fun!! Libby really enjoyed all the excitement. And - yep - AGAIN - Libby received more wonderful gifts - lots of precious clothes, a sit and bounce zebra, a lead frog piano toy, an aqua- doodle, and so much more! We had to ship it all back to TX because we couldn't possibly fit it all in our suitcases for our flight home.
So - Libby is now spoiled rotten and everyone in the world if forbidden to give Libby any more gifts for a long time!!!
The meaning of Christmas is not lost in all this. That God allowed His one son to come to earth and dwell among mankind as a humble human being still amazes me. And the love that flows from that is still pouring over each of us in every good thing we have, see, experience. For if anything in this world is good - it is a gift from God. And Libby is so good! Thank you Lord for the best possible Christmas gift. A sweet baby!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!!
Love,
The Footes
