Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Sunday, April 27, 2008

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...!

6 comments:

lana said...

Jenny,
thank you for taking the precious time to continue blogging. I am just in the habit of checking blogs daily now; it's a treat when there's something new.

I look forward to spending more time with you and the kids - hearing more stories, seeing some pictures, tickling Christopher and Katie and making them laugh - maybe one of these days C will willingly give me one of his huge hugs! (But I'll still enjoy all of Sage's hugs and kisses!)

Josh and Elizabeth said...

Hey, Todd and Jenny, I love reading your descriptions of life around your new house. It sounds very familiar. Chloe is our cautious one in new circumstances, particularly around males over age 15 or so. We've joked that her level of caution would be great around ages 13-18. :) It sounds like they're doing really well! Noah and Chloe both eat as much food as Samuel does, but we've begun to see them both self-regulate, and we praise them when they stop eating before their food is gone - they know they're full! Seems kind of backwards, but I think they're more confident now of their food supply! Keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
I am so happy for you and your family. Many prayers and much love, Janelle

Tonya said...

Jenny & Tod,
We are so happy that your family is together again. Seeing you at church was a delight. The smiles on your faces was a shine that could only from our Lord. Peace, enjoyment, fulfillment of His plans. We will continue to pray for your family as you grow together.
Love & Blessings,
The Halligans

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to post the blog ... I have missed them. As happy as I am that your family is together as God had intended you to be, I am going to miss the daily dash to the computer for my dose of .... what's the best word ... faith. You have demonstrated such a deep, strong love of our Lord and, as I told you Sunday, I have received so much from you.

So, in gratitude to our Lord for the many blessings that he has bestowed on your family and for the many blessings your family has bestowed on me.

May God continue to bless your family,
Rhona

Jireh Ministries Foundation, Inc said...

It is so exciting hearing how the family is all doing since we are way over here in Africa. We tell the story to everyone over here to muzungoos and locals as well. It was so amazing just running into Erin the other day with Boscoe and Nancy, in Kampala at the Immigration office... How wonderful God is to give us this little treat and just the reassurance that we know the Lord is in charge of our every footstep. I think it is the Lord's way of just saying hi, I'm here! We couldn't have ever planned a meeting like that,it was so amazing as you know, having experienced things like that yourself. We love you, dad