*My Not So Little Baby*

My Aubree is only seven years old, but you wouldn't know it by looking at her! Heck, she's nearly as tall me! And yesterday I bought her boots in a women's size 6!!! I have no doubt that she will be as tall as me by her eighth birthday next April! As she continues to grow and grow I wonder how tall she will be by the time she's done growing - taller than me, for sure.

I remember, so vividly, seeing the then 16 month old Aubree in Ukraine for the first time! We knew next to nothing about her, but we didn't care - we just knew that she was ours, and she belonged with our family. However, I can't say that Aubree and I bonded right away . We had a hard time connecting - there were many, many, many tears shed. Today, we still have moments of "trial and error", but we've come a long way in six years. I love that little girl - I love her so much. I am so, so grateful that she is my daughter. I know how lucky I am that she came into my life. And no matter how tall she gets - she will always be my little baby.

One of my favorite adoption poems:

The Gift of Life

I didn't give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is deep and real,
As if it had been so.

For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you
The gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you.

Author ~ Unknown

*Thankful, so Thankful*

So, what am I thankful for this year? Family - my wonderful, beautiful family. I live for them, and I adore them. We're keeping the get together small this year - just a small gathering which will include my parents, my sister and her boyfriend, Dan, w/ their son, Frankie, and my uncle Bobby, and, of course, Dave, Brenna, Aubree, and myself. My nephews, Nic and Luc, will be at their dad's house this year, so they will be missed, and, most definitely, in our thoughts.

I'm looking forward to a very relaxed holiday of hanging out and talking, maybe playing a little Wii, and a couple board games, and, of course, as always, lots of laughter! We all have such a great time together, but, unfortunately, we don't get to do it often enough, so I will cherish our day together, and try to soak up every little bit of it, and, of course, be very thankful for it all!!!

And then Friday is our Shopping Day!! The guys - Dad, Dave, Dan, uncles Lito, Tony, and Bobby - go out shopping....well, I think, they mostly eat, and people watch all day long!! And I get to spend the day with my mom and my sister - I am so looking forward to a day alone with them!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!