So how IS it going?

People keep asking, "So how is it going?" The answer is....it's busy! So busy we can't keep updated on this blog! :-)

It's a wonderful busy, though. M is finding her place in the family and loves her brothers. It's so fun to watch them play together. They are all big helpers and we have yet to deal with jealousy. They are also fantastic teachers - at the end of the day when I am tired, they jump right in praising M and gently teaching how to ask for the things politely and to share.

A lot of time is taken up with meals - preparation, duration, and clean up! M only really knows hot food - she's eating some things that are cold and pre-made, but still needs a hot breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just today she ate three fried eggs and toast with peanut butter! She takes her time while eating, asking to have her hands wiped (or wiping them herself) between every other bit or so. For the first two weeks, we had our chinese food place hopping with lo mein noodle orders! The little girl who ate anything in china only wanted Chinese here. Makes sense. Now she's open to trying most things again.

People ask about having FOUR kids now...So far, we both think that four isn't really any harder than three. The more challenging thing is the fact that she is a TODDLER and curious about everything and lacks English language skills. She is really smart, though, so we don't anticipate this stage lasting long. In fact, once we tell her no to something, she NEVER repeats the behavior. Now THAT'S new for us parents!

We are so thankful that I (J) can stay home this year to care for M and help our crew find its equilibrium as a family. We also can't say enough about our church family who continue to care and support us. They've brought meals, purchased warm clothes when the weather turned, picked our kids up, done errands for us, even done some of our professional responsibilities all so that we can focus on helping M and our boys adjust...M may be a Pekari, but she's definitely being a raised by a community of faith putting their love in action! Thanks everyone!

Play Time

The Cozy Coupe is the place to be! M loves riding on the driveway and hitting the slope - the feeling of racing out of control on the hill...another female race car driver?

This picture was shot AFTER I had to remind M that we have to share the car....not her favorite thing, but she's learning quickly and G is so very patient with her.

Fall Fun!

M eats her way through the orchard! G adores the leaves!

Sensory Fun!

Time to learn what different things FEEL like! The boys are happy to help M learn about play-doh. M takes awhile to warm up to it...she tastes it, spits it out, shakes her head, pushes it...finally decides it's interesting!

Yes...that's a shiner under her right eye - She LOVES her child-size play broom, but unfortunately, she stumbled and took a hard hit with the handle...poor girl!