Mim meets Avery

EJ's mom came for a visit to meet Avery. She patiently waited an invitation. Between her travels and our busy weekends this was the first to work out. The boys were SO excited to see her and Avery "warmed" up relatively quickly. Mim was great at letting Avery call the shots ;)

 

She spoiled the boys with the purchase of 2 band looms so they could partake in the newest fade and craze. Even EJ got hooked. We have rubber bands and bracelets coming out of our ears. It kept them busy all weekend and I was grateful not to be the one "teaching" them how to do it.

 

Owen had two games on Sunday. 

All of us went to the first game and then left EJ as solo fan for nap time

  

Sunday night, Mim babysat the boys so EJ, Avery and I could attend a dinner party thrown in Avery's honor. EJ's boss planned and hosted the dinner! So Sweet, but I will confess I was NERVOUS. A dozen coworkers/spouses met Avery for the first time (several cancelled at the last minute). She handled the attention fairly well, although kept moving the entire time. She gets really busy when she is nervous. It was nice not having the boys since no other children were invited and Ryan certainly didn't need to witness the oohs and ahhs Avery received. We had a delicious dinner and it was lovely to see the support from EJ's office.

 

The weekends go by much faster with 4 kids in the house ;)

Morning Smile

After 8 weeks home, there is still some pushing and shoving to be the first in her room in the morning. She is SO DELIGHTED to see us. Praise the Lord.

Making Memories

We were recently gifted a family photo session. Oh my heart! 

Our friend Jenn Gorrie from Glorrie Photo has a huge heart for orphans. One way (there are many) she participates in orphan care is by using her gift of photography. 

ANYONE can do orphan care. Seriously! I have seen so many creative ways throughout this past year and each one a total blessing to us and our daughter. 

Jenn doesn't even live in our home town, but she made it happen and we are so thankful!!

My heart is happy. Oh, there are so many good ones! IF my children were more cooperative, there would be even more :( Jenn was so patient and I am grateful. 

Some will be used for future surprises, but here is a sneak peek.

 

via Glorrie Photo

via Glorrie Photo 

I know we will treasure these pictures for always. Thank you, Jenn! 

Avery will not have a baby album in the same way her brothers do. I will put a book together for her and include the pictures we received from the orphanage, but emotionally I am not ready. I can't bring myself to look back at her "before" pictures. While we were waiting for her, I couldn't keep my eyes off them and now they bring me grief and sadness. I can't really explain it in writing. Just wanting to remember where I am today.

Lifesaver

I don't usually advertise specifics on my blog, but this one might help some other moms.

 

We continue to struggle with feeding our girl. She is not gaining weight (the stomach infection could be the cause) and she doesn't eat much of anything. Thank goodness for these noodles. They are SO easy to prepare and the only thing she consistently agrees to eat. They are pre-cooked, so I just drop them in boiling water for 1.5 minutes, rinse with cold water, add a little low sodium chicken broth (I also add a TB of oil for more fat) and her meal is ready. Sometimes I throw frozen veggies in the boiling water first. She doesn't love that. The only downside is the stickiness, quite a mess to clean up.

If anyone has any high fat/calorie gluten-free suggestions, I am all ears. She likes peanut butter, but I can't come up with anything she will eat that I can put it on. Sometimes a banana will work, but she hates all gluten-free breads and crackers.
We are heading to the GI specialist next week. Her appt was bumped up by 4 weeks. Alleluia!

Trouble

This is one way to reach the mailbox. Yes, he is standing on his bike!

 

I am always telling Ryan to stop growing. And he says he can't. The other day he told me he has to get bigger so he can reach the frozen yogurt machine handle at our favorite dessert spot. What big aspirations my 3rd child has ;)

Avery may not walk on her own (yet) , but the girl can get around.

Yes, I LOVE dressing a girl! (everyone asks)

The two of them spells T.R.O.U.B.L.E. 

The other day, EJ caught them holding hands in the car.

I am loving having an even number of children once again.