Saturday, December 25, 2004

"Ruffling"

On December 23rd, we went to see "Polar Express". This movie will surely become a classic. I can't wait to sit down with Cookie and Hanna in my lap and watch it together.

On Christmas Eve Deann worked until 11:30 am and Cookie and I rented two movies. MaCayla bought a Christmas card for Deann.

MaCayla had difficulty falling asleep last night. She was very excited about Santa coming.
Santa did come bringing her a telescope, a bicycle, clothes and several dolls.

MaCayla and I "ruffled" this morning. That is what we call play wrestling. She would rather do that than play with her toys, amazing.

MaCayla and I have a very complicated secret handshake. We decided to teach Hannah as soon as she can learn.

I keep thinking that Hannah will be here next Christmas and MaCayla will have a sibling to share this special day with.

I am sitting by the fire as I write this and hope Hannah is warm and safe.


Monday, December 20, 2004

The Domino Effect

Tonight we attended our Sunday School Class Christmas Party. We had a lot of fun. Our classmates, the Henry's, are having a baby in February. We talked about their baby and Hannah for a very long time. The Henry's are very excited for us, as we are for them.

I drove Big Pop for a post-op visit today. He is doing well.

Afterwards, we drove to Henry County, where I had our Home Study certified by the Superior Court Clerk. One more domino fallen in our quest to bring Hannah home. Sleep tight little one, sleep tight.

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Christmas Come Early

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas as a family at Momma Jo's house. All the cousins were there (except Ward). We ate the traditional holiday fare. Ham, Turkey, dressing and Deann made a delicious coconut cream cake. Presents were exchanged by all the children. Next year Hannah will be the youngest and be the center of attention. Deann and I spoke of missing Hannah and my mind drifted to thoughts of her well being.

Christmas is a magical time in the Cook house. Deann decorates the house with a spectacular display of Christmas cheer.

Today is Sunday. The church had Christmas programs at each service. The choir gave a lovely concert with the accompaniment of the orchestra. One of the speaking parts was especially moving. The speaker described Jesus' meager beginnings. I could not help thinking of Hannah and her beginnings. Sadly, that will always be a mystery.

Momma Jo finished Hannah's stocking this past week. MaCayla insisted it be hung right next to hers.

Tonight Cookie performs with her Christmas choir at church. She has a speaking part. She is a talented little girl.

Also, the Adkins came over for lunch today. Elizabeth said my name. No one believed me, but she said it just the same.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Remembering Robbie

This past Saturday I played golf in a charity tournament to raise money for Hospice of Savannah in memory of a good friend of mine named Robbie "Bulldog" Smith. Robbie died the day before his 30th birthday. He would be 40 this Christmas Eve. I miss Robbie dearly, he was a good friend. I wish Hannah would get to see his smiling face. Robbie and I shared many good memories.

I spent Saturday night with Poppa Cook. He is recovering from knee replacement surgery. He is walking well and I hope and pray he begins to feel better very soon. Recovering from such major surgery can be a strain emotionally.

I came home on Sunday after shopping for a few Christmas presents in Savannah. It was very cold in Savannah. The coldest day of the year, so far. I pray Hannah is warm, wherever she may be.

Robbie Smith-Robbie's High School Football Coach once said "if I had 5 linemen with a heart like Robbie we'd never lose a game".
Patrick Cook

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Stressful Day

Today was a stressful day. Big Pop had bone spurs removed from his shoulder and a tendon cut that was described as looking like crab meat. Hopefully, this will relieve his pain and give him more flexibility. Deann and Momma Jo went with him for comfort.

I saw Elizabeth and Julie in the nursery at church tonight. The were born in China and have wonderful forever families that Hannah will surely meet and get to know. These two girls are so bright and cute!

I wonder what Hannah is doing today? Who is taking care of her? These questions run through Deann's and my mind all the time.

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Monday, December 06, 2004

Flowered Handles

Not much going on today. I did go to Lowes and purchase five flower shaped handles to place on a chest of drawers that Deann and Cookie painted for Hannah's room.

I am watching MaCayla do her spelling homework. She is wearing one of her Mother's night gowns and has a crown on her head. She loves to play "dress up". Hannah is in for a great life with a sister like MaCayla.

Sunday, December 05, 2004

The Incredibles

We attended MaCayla's first violin recital last night. All the children we very cute and Cookie (Macayla) was especially good playing her solo.

Today is Saturday and Deann and Momma Jo are going Christmas shopping. Cookie and I are going to see "The Incredibles".

(Later)

We had a wonderful time at the movie. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Cookie sat in my lap for most of the movie, ( I loved it) she usually sits with Deann. She is heavy. Cookie and I love to watch movies together.

Thursday, December 02, 2004

God's Timing

Tonight the "Love Light Tree" was illuminated in honor and memory of peoples loved ones. I want to purchase a light in Hannah's honor as her Christmas present since we will be apart.

We realized tonight that we may have to wait a little longer for Hannah than we hoped. The bureaucracy of government can be very frustrating and slow, so slow. All in Gods time we will be united. Our faith helps us understand that any delay is God's will. Only His timing will bring us together perfectly.

MaCayla had her last violin practice before her recital. She is playing "Ice Cream Cone".

I will be working very late tonight conducting a fire drill for the third shift staff.

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Willie Wonka

Today is Wednesday. I taught the children at Church tonight. The lesson was on obedience. We watched four minutes of the movie "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". Charlie and his Grandfather disobey Mr. Wonka's instructions and nearly get hurt in the process.

I look forward to bringing Hannah to church and introducing her to all the wonderful people who have been so excited about her becoming a part of our forever family.

I am listening to Macayla practice for her Christmas piano recital. She is playing "Jingle Bells", "Up on the Roof Top", and "The Nutcracker".




Tuesday, November 30, 2004

The Journey Begins

By recording my thoughts and feelings in this journal I hope to remember the events that occurred while undertaking the process for bringing our little girl to her forever home.

We will name her Hannah which means "full of grace". And it will be by His grace that we finally unite.

I want to remember what I was doing the day Hannah was born. Hopefully, this record will help me remember that special day! If I miss that day in the blog these writings will not be for naught, because one day I hope to share this journal with her so she will know how we began this journey and how we finally came together.

Today we worked like every other day. I helped the Hospital Authority Chairman with computer concerns. Later, I helped Momma Jo fix her Christmas lights (a blown fuse). We had chicken casserole for supper and MaCayla and Deann decorated the Christmas Tree.

There are only three Christmas stockings hanging from the mantle. Next year there will be four. I look forward to sharing Christmas mornings with Hannah in the future.

Momma Jo made all our stockings and she is making Hannah's as I type this. I hope we can hang Hannah's stocking this year as a reminder of God's precious gift.

Monday, November 29, 2004


Family Photo
Patrick Cook