Christmas 2007

So, does it look like he enjoyed Christmas? So many people have asked how our Christmas was. Some asking because it is the talk of the season "How was your Christmas?", what we all ask this time of year, but I know many of you asked for a a more specific reason. This was our first Christmas as a family of FIVE. As I type this, it makes my eyes glisten. What a blessing this Christmas was to us. Many asked "What did you get for Christmas?", my response, "That amazing little boy over there!" That is all I've wanted for so many Christmases. It seems like that has been a desire in my heart forever. I think back to that Christmas five years ago, when we told everyone we were pregnant again. We made ornaments and gave them as gifts, announcing that we would be a family of Five. Some were excited, some thought it was too soon, as Drew was just a year old. God had other plans as well, and I look back over the years we have struggled to get us to where we are, and I Thank GOD!! What a miracle he has worked in our lives. There was a child growing in our hearts, but little did we know, he was half a world away, and not even born yet! Here are some photos of our journey this Christmas. Some were fun, some of the days were a challenge, but here it is...
The Moser Grandkids in their new Christmas Pajamas. This is something I started with my kids when they were little. Since we go to Nate's parents for Christmas Eve, I get them new PJ's and they get to unwrap them at Grandma and Grandpas, some years, we even go to church in them!! This year, Nate's sisters started the tradition as well. How fun, something I'm sure they will remember forever.
Toby opening one of his gifts at Grandmas, with Mommy in the background. There are not many pictures of Toby with mommy, as I'm usually running the camera. I cherish it!
Drew with his big gift this year, an electric guitar. He was so excited and has been playing it a lot. We are hoping he and daddy can take lessons together very soon. I think Toby is eyeing it as well. He likes to "play" it, too.
Taylor finally got her Nintendo DS. She has been asking for one for about 2 years now, so we finally broke down and got her one. She was thrilled. She has been playing it non-stop, so I guess it was something she really wanted. No matter, it was worth it to see this reaction!
This time over the holidays has really been helpful for Nate and Toby's bonding. It has been a slow go for the two of them. I think it has something to do with Nate leaving for vacation so soon after Toby was home with us. But this time together has been wonderful. Toby will now let Nate pick him up if I'm in the room. Up until now, that would send him into a fit, but now he even goes to daddy and says "up". What a blessing and an answer to prayer.

Toby received a new train table for Christmas. He was very excited. I didn't realize we did not get any photos of him with it, however. We will have to get some and I will post them. I think he likes to pretend he is a tornado, and go through and tear everything up more than anything. Luckily, big sister likes to rebuild for him.

On another note, we had our first visit to the Doctor for Toby (other than his initial exam when he came home.) He began running a fever the day after Christmas. He woke up from his nap with a 101 fever. The next morning, when his fever was still running in the high 99's I called the doctor. Because of his kidney problems, we can not risk waiting when he has a fever. We have to take him in right away to ensure there is no Urinary Tract Infection. It was not pleasant to get a urine sample from him, but the nurses did (only to add to his fear/hatred of the doctors office) and it came back okay. It was a relief, but a reminder that our beautiful little boy does have health issues. Most days, other than taking his medication regularly, we forget, We continue to pray he will outgrow this and one day it will not be a worry ever again.

God is Good. Christmas is an amazing time of year. We are reminded of the many gifts God has given us. But most importantly, we are reminded that God has given us the greatest gift ever, salvation, through his Son Jesus Christ, born in a lowly manger, who lived a PERFECT life, only to one day die a horrid, unthinkable death, so that we can have eternal life with him in heaven. What a glorious day that will be.