A Merry Christmas

We had a lovely time with family this Christmas. Leif's mom made the trip over for a few days to be with Anneka on her first Christmas. It was fun to pretend that Anneka knew what was going on and to put words in her mouth as she opened presents. It'll be so fun to have traditions throughout Anneka's childhood, celebrating our Saviour's birth and enjoying the holiday season. Here are a few pics. (Anneka in a stocking- my brother thought this was terrible, but we thought it was funny, a Raggedy Ann doll from her great grandmother, with Gramma Irene, a snowy day, matching cheetah-print socks from Grandpa, our little sweetie snug in her bed, Anneka's favorite hat)

She's smiling!!!

It is so amazing to see Anneka grow. She has put on weight and is becoming more aware of things, and a couple of weeks ago, she started to smile at us. It makes us feel so good when she looks at us or hears or voices and gives her big toothless grin! Of course she also will smile at bright colored toys and other things so it's not just us, but it makes us feel good when it is. I think she'll be smiling a lot this Christmas too :).

Tatiana

I've been doing far less language study than Leif, as Anneka has become my first job, but I am SO THANKFUL for Tatiana. She and I get together about once a week to speak in Russian. She welcomes me in with the utmost of hospitality, serving me tea and delicious cakes or breads that she has made herself. She's just a delight to talk with. After Anneka was born, I didn't see Tatiana for a few weeks and I felt like I'd forgotten all the Russian I'd ever learned! But now it's coming back, and I'm so thankful to have this language practice to keep my mind fresh before we return to Russia. I can see how God takes care of us in so many ways. Providing Tatiana is just one of those ways.

Our Wooden Anniversary

I have been so blessed to be married to the most beautiful, amazing and loving woman in the world!!! And we just recently celebrated our 5th anniversary! I am so thankful for the wife that God has blessed me with and for the deep and wonderful relationship that I have with her! When I look around both here in America and in Russia I see so many broken or disfunctional marriages and it makes me so sad. Even in the church it seems like couples often co-exist and don't thrive as they should. But, I absolutely love being married! I absolutely love my wife! And marriage is so much more than a thing to endure as our culture often tells us. Marriage is something to be celebrated and enjoyed, and I have to say that that is an easy thing for me to do! I know that a huge reason that it is so easy for me to enjoy marriage is that God has blessed me with such a great wife. She is always supportive and encouraging. She feels things with me and keeps me striving after God. I know that so many of you have seen and felt the beautiful qualities of Jami, and can see why it is so easy for me to love her and love being with her. Well, I just had to tell you all again about how much I love my wife!!!

Eyes Open

Here it is, for those who've requested an "eyes open" picture of Anneka. She sleeps alot, so a lot of our pictures are with her eyes closed. She's been awake more and more lately, though. It's fun.