Hosting D is going well. Really well. We heard he was a good kid before we hosted him, but he is absolutely amazing. Perfect? No. By no means. But he is obedient and willing to try, even if it is something he isn't so sure of. It took about a week for us to really get to see a genuine smile, or hear a true belly laugh. But I believe he is truly comfortable now. We get into some giant tickle wars including the WHOLE family, and he has begun showing affection to the younger kids, especially Gabe. If he fusses the least bit, D swoops to his rescue. Yesterday Jac was crying because she was hurt, and he began patting her on the head to comfort her.

However, we are exhausted. Between holidays and work, family time and hosting, it is very stretching in every capacity. This morning I described hosting as like being a newlywed--you are very aware of the dynamic of a new person no matter what you are doing. You are learning their likes and dislikes, what makes them tick, etc. It is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. But it's worth it. It is SO worth it.

Christmas was absolutely perfect. I was afraid D would be too overwhelmed, and would shut down emotionally. But he did the opposite. Christmas Eve we hosted one side of the family at our house, and I told D ahead of time that if it was too much, he was allowed to "hide out" in either his room or mine, but that I wanted him to at least get some food. To my surprise, he stayed the WHOLE time, participated in our "gift game" (and even got the best number!) and smiled and bonded with a few of my extended family. Chris did an excellent job of staying near him and interacting with him a lot too. Then Wednesday we had Christmas with my parents and brother, and we had to wake all four of the bigger kids up!! I am so thankful that we keep our Christmas small! Each child gets three gifts and their stocking (plus whatever gifts the grandparents and aunts and uncles give). The big boys each received a detailed Lego set. Once we'd opened presents and eaten breakfast, D disappeared. I found him on his bed, intently doing his Legos. He looked up at me and absolutely BEAMED. I think it was a turning point, because we have all received a few of those now. And he referred to Grandma as Babushka and me as Mama once this week. I think we've passed the rhetorical "test."