Jet lag and Christmas blessings

Jet lag - so much fun. Lol

Both girls have been wide awake since 2:30 this morning! 😳😳 Jay and I took turns being up with them. I slept til about 6 am and then traded with Jay. We plan to lay low today and just rest and recoup, decorate gingerbread houses and tonight, drive around looking at Christmas lights! This is Annika's first Christmas so everything is new to her. Some things she seems to like and other things she rejects (unwrapping a gift). She's also is learning to not be started or afraid is our pets. She actually wanted to hold Squared and learning to let nice and gently just a few minutes ago! She's also fascinated with our motion-activated trash can! :) 

So many things are new to her (family life, living in a house, etc) that we will be in a constant state of learning for awhile. And even though she is 8, her behavior is often younger - more like a 4 year old at times with the tantrums or whining. But she is also a quick learner and is soaking up family life. 

This morning, as I saw Jadyn and Annika in our kitchen together, I got all choked up with awe that she is really here now! And I thanked the Lord once again. And looking at Jadyn who also traveled half way around the world with us to get her, I asked her if she was happy that Annika was here. The big beautiful smile said it all. 

I'm also thankful for the treats food Andrea and neighbors left for us! Not having to think about making something from scratch to eat right now - HUGE BLESSING! Lol as I ate cinnamon roll bread thingy to chase the excedrin I had to take at 6 am. 😋 

As I checked my email this morning, I was blown away to see notification that we had received two very generous donations to our Crowdrise sight! 😮 One of them for $500 and the other was anonymously given for $5,000!!! 😮😭😮😭 Jay and I are blown away!! To you, if you're reading this: thank you so very much! We pray the Lord blesses you in more ways than you can imagine!! First, God provides the way to bring our little girl home and now He continues to use people to help provide money for our medical journey with Annika! Thank you thank you thank you!

Annika's first medical appt is next week as we go to her first pediatrician appt. And next week, I'll be scheduling her eye specialist appt!  With 2017 starting in just a few days, we are getting the ball rolling on correcting her eyes and beginning the journey on her ears!  It shouldn't be long before we will be meeting our deductible! Lol I can't wait for my sweet girl to not be self conscious about her eyes and ears and to realize how truly beautiful she already is!