A Southern Christmas

It's always strange to us that Christmas feels more like the Fourth of July to us here in Chile.  Being in the southern hemisphere gives us a new perspective on the seasons. The end of December marks the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation. On Christmas Day, children swarm into the streets to play with their new toys, just like in the top half of the world, but here they also set of firecrackers, don their new bathing suits, break open the fire hydrants or escape to the beach. Instead of the Christmas goose, it's the Christmas asado (grill out).  Then again... we don't recall ever actually eating a goose, just singing about it in carols.  Time aclamates people though, and after four years here, we're finally catching on.  We were obviously pretty busy with the new baby, so we didn't have the house decked out as we would have liked.  There was no Christmas tree, no manger scene and no Christmas eve seafood feast (a family tradition).  However, we did manage to bake and gift some pretty awesome cookies and Joshua had the honor of playing Baby Jesus in the chapel's Christmas pageant.  Notably, this was an honor that his father also had on the same day thirty years ago. We received two fantastic Christmas gifts - the arrival of baby Joshua and a visit from Anna's mom. Grandma was was so anxious to see her new grandson that she hopped on a plane on Christmas Day and was here to greet him on the 26th. Her presence has been a great blessing, as it has allowed us some time to actually relax and enjoy little Joshua a lot more.  An extra set of hands was just what we needed!  Plus, you can't beat the experience shared by a woman who has raised 7 kids, has 11 grandkids and teaches pregnant women about their babies for a living.  We're very grateful for this wonderful Christmas season and despite the lack of tree, it's by far the best Christmas we've ever had.

Baby Jesus lays peacefully in his swaddling clothes... 

with his stuffed duck and a bottle at his side.

Baby Joshua opens all the presents that the Three Kings left for Jesus.

Daddy marvels that Joshua and the Christmas turkey are the same weight - 14 lbs.

Grandma and grandson united at last.

A Day in the Life of Joshua

Hanging out with Daddy in the morning

Playing with Mommy

Cooking Lessons

Eating Daddy's Nose

Bath Time

Being Cute

We See the Light

Thank goodness, the light is emerging.  Since the last distress filled post, Joshua got a little better and then got sick again.  We switched from the young, arrogant doctor to an old, experienced doctor and are much happier with his wisdom.  The old doctor says that he's really impressed with Joshua's weight gain (3 lbs in just one month!).  Other than the lingering bronchitis, he reported that our little one is in good health. We also had our first home visit from SENAME yesterday since taking over his care. We're actually not legally his parents yet.  We have provisory care (like foster parents) until January 15th.  We cleaned the house for the first time in a month in preparation for this visit... no easy task.  Apparently, that cute little puppy can unload a carload of hair.  And, "the little vacuum cleaner that could" really impressed.  Thanks everyone, for all of your encouragement and advice.  It helps to know that we're not alone.  In other news, Joshua discovered his feet.