26 Days...Euphoria

It is hard to believe that I felt 2011 was going to be another uneventful year…boy was I wrong.

It started off like any other New Year’s celebration – “The Balls Out Thermos New Year’s,” which consisted of me falling asleep on the couch by 10pm, but somehow waking up at 11pm to watch the Times Square celebration, only to return back to sleep.

Who’d know that 2 weeks later my life would change into everything I’ve ever wanted or dreamt of, but never thought would come true.

No, I’m not going to bore you with the details, but I will say this…there is always hope.

Anywho, these are exciting times for both the Neitzel-Thermos family. Erik’s side of the family is doubling their number grandchildren and my parent’s have tripled theirs!!!!! Needless to say, I’m so looking forward to this Holiday Season.

This past week, my sister’s family brought home their second daughter from China. Her name is Lu Li and I had the pleasure of not only greeting them at the airport when they arrived, but I also got to spend yesterday afternoon with both Mei Li and Lu Li. Seriously, how many 36-week pregnant women run around with a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old?

The other day, I mentioned unconditional love in the blog. Well, to experience that feeling in seeing Mei Li, holding Lu Li’s hand as they walked through the doors at O’Hare, created that euphoria. The best way to describe it is feeling sunshine on your soul.

Yesterday I felt the same feeling when Lu Li would run over to me to get her picture taken, or to get tickled.

Also, it was truly amazing to watch Mei Li care for her sister. She was so gentle and patient, helping her up and down the stairs, holding her hand, giving her hugs, etc. Whenever Lu Li would start to cry, Mei Li was by her side. In a short period of time, I learned a great deal from my 7-year-old niece, and realized there are euphoric boon moments around us all the time…have a wonderful day.