{The Owens Take Manhattan}

Yesterday we packed up the girls and headed up to New York City.  The city is just about two hours from our house which makes it an easy day trip.  Adam and I have always frequented the city since we first met so we know our way around rather well and it's a fun stress free outing.  We were so excited to take the girls this year for a few reasons.  The first is this is probably the last time they will take a trip just the two of them -- next family outing will include a little brother!  Another reason I was excited to go was to see the difference in Angela from her first trip to the Big Apple last year.  

We took Angela to New York shortly after she was placed in our home.  She was still stimming most of the time and not really able to focus on anything.  I think she probably enjoyed the trip but it was probably more of a light show for her little brain and not really a memory making experience for her.  This year she was all about the city!  She loved riding the subway and gave all the subway passengers a bit of holiday cheer when she giggled non stop each time the train would stop and start.  Last year she just sat in her chair and was rather happy -- this year she was able to tell us when she was sick and tired of being stuck in her chair and yelled and fussed like a typical kid -- loved that!  

Madison had a great time at the American Girl store and had been planning her trip all month, figuring out what outfit she would choose for Caroline -- her American "Cousin" found on clearance at Target.  Very grateful that she doesn't know the difference and we hope that when she does we would have taught her that price doesn't matter and Caroline is just as special!

We met up with some online friends and had a blast enjoying dinner with their whole family -- closing the gap in the twitter universe and actually meeting face to face and having real conversation!  We can't wait to take all three kids up in the spring, not sure how we will make that work, but we will find a way to make it a safe and fun experience for our not so little but growing family.

Thanks so much for your prayers for Jayden's discharge meeting.  It went really well, and I felt a sense of relief as we left the meeting.  The training is crazy, and everyone seems to understand that, which made me feel better.  It's just one of those you have to do it this way cause the paperwork needs to be filled out type senerios. We start training tonight on how to wash our hands and then in a few weeks we will finally be able to learn about his trach care.  The team understood our frustration and is willing to help us through this and make it as easy as possible for both us and Jayden.  We are looking to have him home in January.  I'm hoping mid month but there really is no set date.  

So excited.  I left New York being so happy and feeling so fulfilled.  I love my family.  I love our life that God has given us.  I'm excited as we prepare to bring our little boy home and start this next phase.