the merriest christmas

was it ever....honestly, i mentioned to several people that really, i didn't need to even unwrap one present this year because having our family all together is about as much as i'd ever dared to wish for.  and it was sublime.  we've had a great few days.  Christmas Eve dinner and evening with my side of the family, Christmas morning just the eight of us, and Christmas afternoon and supper with Jeff's extended family.  so. much. fun.  seriously.  AJ was a complete champ.  we'd initially worried (correction, I'd initially worried...yes, you're catching on :)) about the potential for him to feel overwhelmed by Christmas occurring so close to his homecoming, and even our social worker echoed those same concerns, but honestly, this child rolled with the change in routine and seemed to have as much fun as we did.  he was comfortable to explore his new relatives and surroundings all while enjoying some of the typical traditional Christmas foods~ especially grandma's sweet potatoes!  finally, someone else in the family who likes them as much as me....amidst all the festivities this precious child will frequently return to his sister or brother or jeff or myself for a hug or a kiss or a smile.  he is so delightfully affectionate, almost as though he is making up for lost time. 
on the medical front, we did have our visit with AJ's pediatrician last Thursday.  lots of tests are being ordered to establish a baseline and get a full and accurate view of his current medical status.  we left the appointment and went straight to the lab for a whole ream of bloodwork.  i was just dreading it and wanted to get it over with for his sake and mine.  he did great and so did the staff because thankfully they found a vein on their first attempt and only one try was needed!  yay!  then we were off for a chest x-ray which was also quick and even painless, so that was good.  next week an ultrasound.  i'm so thankful for the modern medicine and diagnostic tools available to AJ here in Canada.  literally, a test was ordered and within one hour i'd had it completed at our local hospital.  and my mind drifted to my friend Jonas~ where medical help, for whatever reason, doesn't seem to be within his grasp.  not fair.  side note~ i will send an email next week regarding Jonas in an attempt to shed light on his plight...it will be a stretch but i'm hoping it lands in the hands of someone who might be able to check his status.  pray!  anyway, we drove away from the hospital and AJ was actually singing in his carseat!  what a relief to have that over with...on our way home i was once again overwhelmed with the emotion of finally having Alemayehu here.  we're getting started, we're tending to his needs, we're eight in the van now (yikes), we're settling in...that nearly makes me bawl every time i consider it.   how blessed am i? 
this Christmas my heart is full.  tomorrow i'll try to post some more pictures.  i also plan to mention a bit about AJ's five great siblings and their take on the newbie...