We are slowly but surely assimilating to our new and improved family size! Not surprisingly, the smaller the kid, the larger the grocery bill! Diapers and formula are not for the faint of heart!
Joshua and Sarah are doing well. Sarah has some significant developmental and physical delays that have been challenging, but we see tiny little changes daily, and we feel she's going to do some serious catching up in the next year or so. She came to us only on formula at 20 months, and is now willing to eat stage one baby foods with a spoon. She also did not like any form of physical contact and is now laughing and playful with us. She still has a long way to go and had her first appointment with an occupational therapist today, but I have high hopes for her.
Joshua is a very fun, calm, easy-going two-year old who can charm anyone. He's got a winning smile and loves to make friends. He's staying in the nursery at church now and has not shown signs of attachment problems. He is always sad to see me leave when he has to stay home, and is happy to come with me when it's time to leave the nursery. I know some of it is institutionalized behaviors, but I'm seeing good attachment and bonding happening, so I feel his transition is going smoothly.
Merrilee has been the biggest help, and I often have to give her permission NOT to help. She takes on a lot more responsibility than she needs to, and works hard to try to make things easier for me. I've made sure to increase her allowance since we've come home!
Jacob has shown some more maturity since Joshua and Sarah have come home. He is helping a lot more and is doing a great job of keeping Joshua occupied much of the time when I need to get other things done. Joshua adores Jacob, and I truly hope they develop a wonderful brotherly love for one another.
Katie Mei's transition into big-sisterhood was a concern for all of us, because she has been the baby for almost three years and has fit the role of little sister so very well. But she surprised us all with her love for her new little sister and the responsibility that comes with it. She has not shown jealously or any behaviors that typically come with being ousted from the baby-of-the-family slot. She has had a few moments when she's needed a little extra attention or hugging, but she's doing great! I am so pleased with the way all the kids have made this look so easy.
Thanksgiving was low-key here. It was just the seven of us (My, that sounds huge!), and we didn't do anything more than have a nice dinner. Jay and the kids stayed outside most of the day and I did the cooking with some help from the girls. It was a very nice, peaceful day.
Now we are looking forward to Christmas and all that it entails. I hope I get another update done before then!
