Lots of...

Lots of poopie diapers,
Lots of crying,
Lots of chaos,
Lots of messes,
Lots of laundry,
Lots of dishes,
Lots of love and joy!

We are getting into a good routine and I am feeling almost caught up on sleep. There were a couple days when Todd got home from work last week and I had the kids fed and in bed already--it was only 5:30pm! And they actually slept through the night until 7am! C & K are doing terrific. They are eating very well and liking all the new food. I know the Amani mamas would be shocked that the kids are surviving without eating any posho! Their starch bellies are even shrinking in size. Katie eats about the same size portions as Todd. She keeps eating and eating. I will ask if she is all done and she shakes her head no. I then ask if she wants more and she will sign "more." So we keep feeding her. I can't wait to take the kids to the Dr. for a checkup in a month to see how much they have grown. They already look and act healthier.

At home, the kids feel safe and secure, so we have really seen their personalities blossom. Katie is a little teaser. She has the funniest faces. She and Todd will make funny faces and point at each other--this has become a morning ritual. She makes us laugh so much. She is following commands very well and is signing "please," "more," "all done," and "thank you." She loves music, singing and dancing. Yesterday as the radio was playing, Todd picked Katie up and started dancing and twirling around with her. Katie had the biggest smile and my heart melted as time seemed to freeze for just a moment. She is just so happy so much of the time. Katie seems to be more outgoing and courageous than Christopher, but when she doesn't want to do something there is no changing her mind. She can throw a good temper tantrum!

Christopher is a ham. He loves to laugh and his new saying is "tickle, tickle, tickle!" as he tries to tickle your chin. He loves to find the humor in everything--even mischief and discipline--he usually has this little smirk that is not so funny when you are the parent. When we go out in public, Christopher is the scaredy cat. He is extremely cautious and scared of everything....
Todd's guitar, stuffed animals, toys that make noise, and most people... He will give high fives and pound knuckles, so this is a start. Today he went into the church nursery with minimal crying. When I picked him up, the workers said he did great. He just ate lots and lots of goldfish crackers--That's a sure way to get on Christopher's good side!

Jaden, Kellen, and Sage are enjoying their new brother and sister. They are adjusting very well and have become huge helpers around the house. It has been such a joy to have our family together. Although to an onlooker it appears as complete chaos in the home, there is actually a sense of peace. I even had a dream the other night that I picked up the violin and played perfectly. (I do not have one music gene in my body). Todd says the violin is the instrument of peace and that I must be feeling peaceful. I can't find any other way of describing being home and being together as family. It just feels right, normal, natural, peaceful and joyful.

I know we have been covered in prayer and I thank you for that. There has been an outpouring of love, support, encouragement, prayers, and kindness. It has been a wonderfully warm welcome home and we are so blessed. Thank you for partnering with us in this journey. I had previously mentioned in a blog, "it is finished!" I believe it is more accurate to say that that particular chapter is finished. However, this new chapter is just beginning!

**I have not forgotten about posting pics and video. It just requires a little more time than I can seem to find! One of these days...!