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We had Chris's family over for dinner last night - played a game and ate a good meal. Addie came, too, and it was fun to hang out with her. I dog sat her 2 days last week and have been missing her ever since! She is a handful, but she's an adorable handful - especially when she tries to pounce on the cherry blossom petals blowing in the wind.
Our friends gave us a crib their daughter has outgrown. We haven't set it up yet, but it's great knowing it's here, ready at a moment's notice. A lot of people have been very generous throughout this process - with things and with thoughts.

Addie!! Chris's brother's and fiance's new labradoodle puppy! We went to their house last night to "watch the Oscars," but it was really to meet Addie. She is sweet and playful but already has a mellow disposition. She could not be cuter or softer...was hard to say goodbye. We'll be dog sitting soon.

We celebrate Christmas Eve at our house and Christmas day at Chris's family's house. The last few years we've gotten into a Christmas Eve tradition that Chris's brother and sister come over around 2 with cheeseburgers & fries (a new tradition that we LOVE!). Chris, my mom (who comes up from the bay area to stay with us), and I will have been preparing for the Christmas Eve meal. Chris's parents come over late afternoon, and then we'll play/sing carols or just hang out until we eat. After dinner we play games and watch a feel good movie (this year a documentary called "Happy").

This holiday, Chris and I decided we wanted a different star for the tree. When everyone came over, they chose a blank triangular piece of paper - ultimately a puzzle piece for our new star. People used colored pencils and markers and glitter and whatever else we had around, and everyone painted a star point. We then glued them to a cardboard star-shaped backing, and voila - we had our family star. I don't think we've ever done anything that crafty before as a family! - but we all loved it. And now we have a star that's meaningful.

This pic was taken a couple of months ago when we visited LA and went out for my brother's birthday. My dad and stepmom are so generous with us...we always have a great time when we visit and know we are incredibly fortunate to have such amazing families.

I spent part of today sorting through a closet we have that's FULL of baby things from our friends. They've been handing down their favorite pieces for us for the last year or 2, and this closet is packed floor to ceiling with stuff we didn't know we needed! We probably don't need it all, but it's really nice that so many of our friends are supporting our search in this way.

I got up at 3:45 to take Chris and his brother to the airport. They're skiing in CO with the cousins. It's an annual trip that I usually go on, but this year I decided to stay close to home. Sounds like it's beautiful there and that the mountain is getting dumped on.

More soon.... - j

We are actively looking for the soon-to-be newest member of our family!

Over the weekend we updated our profile and sent out more emails...we can't know where the connection will happen, we just know we want to keep the momentum going.

I met a friend for lunch today, and walked on the beach along Puget Sound. It was cold but beautiful - I forget to do that during the winter. A treat.

Chris is going skiing this weekend with his dad and brother. On Tuesday, his brother and fiance pick up their new puppy! ...a honey colored labradoodle. Not sure what they're naming her yet.

Sending love into the ether...
Jennifer