Christmas Letter 2013

December 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

Isaiah 43:1 – But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, he who formed you: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

            This Christmas we pray that you are wrapped in the assurance that God created you for a purpose and are comforted to know that He holds you in the palm of his hand.  We are thankful and humbled at the ways God continues to carry out his plan for our family.  His blessings continually surpass our expectations.

            The big news this year is that our family increased by one.  Lillian Rae (Jia Yue Gu) officially became part of our family in May.  We started her adoption process in March of 2012, received her picture and information this January, and went to China to get her in May.  God truly blessed the entire adoption.  Every part of the process went smoothly, including our LONG trip to get her and come home.  She is such a sweet girl.  It’s hard to believe that she has only been with us for six months.  In that short time, she has learned to walk, say some words, has had two corrective surgeries for her cleft palate, celebrated her second birthday, has had numerous therapy sessions for speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, and has adjusted to life with us.  Lilly likes to play with her babies and in the kitchen.  She is also Mom’s shadow and helps with chores around the house.  She loves to accessorize with bows, headbands, and purses.  She is such a happy girl!  We are so thankful that God kept her safe until we could bring her home.

            Liam has adjusted so well to being a big brother.  He is very helpful and loves to teach Lilly everything he knows.  Liam started three year-old preschool this year at Ascension Lutheran School.  He attends on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (the same days Tiffany teaches at Ascension).  He loves learning and impresses us with how much he knows.  Right now, he is really interested in space, space shuttles, rockets, pirates, and the ocean.  He knows his shapes and numbers and almost all his letters.  He has learned to write his name.  Liam is a very verbal child and tends to talk and sing all day long.  His active imagination entertains us often.  Each day is a new adventure for him.  We are so thankful he is our son.

            Tiffany cut back her hours teaching this year, so she could spend more time with the kids.  Instead of teaching three days at two different schools, she now teaches two days a week at Ascension as the special education teacher.  The whole family appreciates her new schedule.  Dave’s Mom, Carol, watches the kids while Tiffany teaches.  We are very thankful for Grandma Herman.

            Dave continues to work for Thrivent.  He loves being able to meet the needs of his members and views his job as a ministry.  He moved to a new office this winter, which should be a great change for his business.

            You can keep up with our family throughout the year on our blog - http://www.davetiffanyliamlillyherman.blogspot.com                       

Lots of Love,

David, Tiffany, Liam & Lilly Herman

December 2013

Here is a little glimpse of what we've been up to this month -

Liam made a gingerbread house for the first time.  We got a package from Target.  The roof was broken when we opened the package, but Liam made the best of it.

Snow Day!  Liam had fun playing in the snow and helping Dad shovel the driveway.  Lilly didn't want to play in the snow, so she stayed inside and helped Mom bake apple bread.

Our little Lady all ready for Liam's Preschool Christmas Program.

Liam in his finest Christmas attire for his program.

Liam wasn't feeling well (we found out the next day he had an ear infection in both ears), but he performed his best during his Christmas program.

Liam's Preschool Christmas party -

This was a cute idea. They covered an ice cream cone with green frosting and m&ms to make a Christmas tree.

Liam and Lilly helped make candy cane cookies.  Lilly tried making one and was finished.  Liam made several.

One of the children keeps moving all the candy canes within reach to one branch.  We haven't found the culprit yet.

Lilly thinks it's hilarious to put the camels from their nativity set on top of their tents.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Christmas season is here and we have had so much fun getting ready.  

Lilly loves all the decorations and seems very excited to be celebrating her first Christmas.

The corner cabinet is new to our family this year.  Dave found it at the church rummage sale.  We wonder how we managed without it.  It's perfect for storing some of the kids' toys.  It's also been fun to decorate.

front entryway

Dave decorated the outside of the house with cool white lights.

This year instead of using cool white lights, like we normally do, we used colored lights.  The kids approve!

Every night, after dinner, we do Advent devotions together as a family.  Each devotion has a corresponding ornament that we put on our tree.  We also add a new character to our nativity.  We light our Advent wreath and sing an Advent song.  It's a great way to count down to Christmas, but also keeps the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. 

"Come quickly Lord, and prepare our hearts for your coming. Amen"  

Even the kids' play kitchen is decorated for Christmas.

Every member of the family, including Daisy, has a stocking.

Liam made baby Jesus in Preschool.  This will be a decoration we put out from now on.  We are so thankful Liam attends a Lutheran school where he is taught about Jesus.

Our family ornament this year - made with the thumb print of every member of the family.  Liam wanted to have a red nose.  Lilly's thumb is barely bigger than her nose.

And of course, it wouldn't be Christmas until the women in the family have a cookie/candy baking weekend.  It was great to have Grandma Letsch join us this year.  It brought back many great memories!

We still look forward to making a gingerbread house with the kids and attending Liam's Christmas programs.  We have really made an effort to savor all the Christmas moments this year.  We love the old traditions we carry on and the new ones we are making as a family.

Six Months

On November 27th, we reach a milestone in Lilly's adoption.  She will have been with us for six months.  In some ways it's hard to believe we've been home that long.  Our trip to China seems like it just happened.  However, it is also hard to remember a time when Lilly wasn't in our family.  Sometimes, I still can't believe that I flew half way across the world to get Lilly.  The trip was a blur of emotions and memories.  As I look back I am humbled and thankful that God blessed Lilly's adoption the way He did.  Her little heart was ready for us, which we know is only possible through God's graciousness.  She has adapted so well to life with us.  There is no doubt that she was meant to be part of our family all along.  She has been a blessing to us as much as we have been a blessing to her.  She has taught me a great deal about unconditional love and endurance.  She has learned so much and grown so much these past six months.  She has learned to walk, speak a little, use sign language, has learned to enjoy baths and the pool, likes Daisy and stuffed animals, was baptized, turned two, had many 'firsts', and has increased her strength a great deal.  She likes to play and cuddle with her brother.  She's had two surgeries and countless therapy sessions.
As part of her post adoption paperwork, we need to submit eight pictures of her with descriptions along with a report.  I have had fun looking over her pictures.  Here are some of my favorites from the last 6 months.  You can just see her personality blossom.  Although, she has always been a sweet, little lady.  We love you Lilly!

May 27th, 2013 - Gotcha Day

finally liked baths after Liam took them with her

Lilly has been a great eater, despite having a cleft palate and two corrective surgeries.

Baptism Day - July 21st, 2013

First Independence Day

Lilly learned to love the pool.

Second Birthday - September 5th, 2013

Lilly and Daisy have become best friends.  She used to scream in fear every time Daisy came near her.

Surgery #1 - Lilly's a brave little girl!

We traded in the high chair for the booster seat.

First Halloween