A big shout out from the Stouts- (Christmas Letter 2009)

We hope this holiday season finds you well. Whatever other stressors may attack us, this season brings us great perspective when we look at our joyful son, Solomon. Last year he was a picture in a Christmas

ornament on our tree, and we hoped and prayed that everything would work out. This year, he celebrated his first birthday in June, first Halloween, first Thanksgiving, and we even trekked out to cut down a Christmas tree (which is on a table, of course, the kid is great but also 18 mo.). We are so thankful for our family,

including the 3 grandparents who spend time with the kids too. We do not deserve them, and we love that they are all retired now. Kristin’s parents spend time with the kids more than one day per week, and Wes’ mom visits regularly. Kristin’s grandmother also continues to be a part of our lives and delights in the kids, even though she can’t see them.

Kylia turned 4 this summer and loves to sing and swim and interact with as many people as possible. We know everyone at her preschool, primarily because she knows every child and every adult connected to that child. She definitely has a relational bent. We were very proud that this year, in the preschool choir concert, not only did she stand up and sing, she even announced a song (this compared to a refusal to do anything but sit on our laps last year). Socializing Kylia into the world of hair has been interesting, but she now enjoys choosing the type of braids, twists, etc. that she desires. Following this choice is a 3 hour visit to the salon! She does really well,

provided I bring snacks, DVDs, and make an early appt. (my three prong strategy for success). She is also

EXTREMELY tall, literally off the charts. We constantly hear comments about her height, and Wes has taught her to respond “It’s the steroids!” (if you know Wes– this does not surprise you).

Kylia accompanied us to Ethiopia in February, and, skipping right over the horror of jet lag and generally trying our patience, it was great. And it was all worth it when Kylia was the first to meet Solomon and hold him (seen in the 3rd picture of our rather late adoption announcement). We wouldn’t have had it any other way, and hope to return many times. Kylia makes an excellent big sister, and enjoys having a brother to play with/torment

depending on the moment.

Solomon is 18 months, and started walking at about 16 months. We were not in a hurry for this part, but there is no stopping him now. He loves to read and brings stories to us constantly saying “book, book.”. He also loves to get involved in whatever his sister is doing, calling her “ia.” I will save other cute details that only

grandparents crave for the blog. Aside from some sleep issues (namely screaming instead of sleeping), he has adjusted really well and fits into our family like an old friend. The trip to Ethiopia in February was wonderful and we were blessed with a fabulous travel group, who will hopefully have a reunion in 2010. We can see the explosion of Ethiopian adoptions since Kylia, because we already know 5 boys Solomon’s age in the Bay Area.

We have somewhat transitioned to life with two children, although many fun phases await us. Kristin continues to mentor new teachers and teach a few high school classes (she is often disturbed by the similarities between preschoolers and adolescents). She taught summer school this past summer, and has enjoyed many fun health challenges including pneumonia, numerous sinus infections, and finally sinus surgery this summer. Headaches are abating and life looks much more manageable now. Wes joined the Crosby Group full time this year (after 15 years of consulting), and has been running and biking regularly, which happens at the crack of dawn– very impressive. We both continue to attend bible studies and our adult group at church. We connect with our

Ethiopian adoptive community whenever we can, through summer camps or monthly activities, and Kristin started doing orientations for our local agency this past year.

We love it when people tell us what a joy-filled but physically exhausting time we are in with small children, but I still feel encouraged every time I hear this sentiment. Right now we are content in the Bay Area, in a great neighborhood with lots of kids, part of a thriving church, and taking things one year, or day, at a time. This

letter is my kick in the pants each year to update the blog– so look for many new pictures.

We wish you peace in this season and blessings in the New Year.

Love the Stouts