Two and Three

Four kids is A LOT. I am fairly certain I felt that way about 3, after welcoming Ryan home. I know it's an adjustment. I am giving myself plenty of grace, but it still doesn't change how it feels. I am beginning to think it's more the fact we have a 2 yr and 3 yr old than the total of 4 kids.

I am treading water most of the day and trailing behind 2 little loves, who leave a disaster wherever they go. 2 years and 3 years old is quite the combo. I love it (most of the time) but it's exhausting.  I am glad they are such buddies even if it's more like partner's in crime ;)

Even with the older two pulling their weight, it feels like I am constantly preparing or cleaning up, and everything takes longer. I am always a step or 20 behind. I don't like that feeling. I also don't like being late. Since Avery came home, I am late for everything! I am realizing 3 months in, that a lot of this will not change with "adjustment," perhaps it will feel more normal, but the piles of laundry, dishes, papers and toys won't really decrease, if anything, they will increase!

The bed-time routine has been the hardest change for me. It used to be that ej OR me could put the boys to bed which allowed us to take turns on a regular basis and get other things done before collapsing on the couch. Even if it meant finishing the dinner dishes, folding laundry, paper work, etc. Now it takes both of us (unless the other is out) so that other stuff doesn't get done. Some of that has to do with Avery, but it mostly has to do with the age gap and the fact that one of us spends a little extra time reading with Owen after the other 3 are in bed. Plus, bed time is a little later than in past years mostly because it takes longer to do everything. (did I say that already?)

Needless to say the basics are getting done. Everyone is being fed and bathed and clothed. The boys are doing well in school. I really can't complain.

And then today, Avery starting saying "RYAN" and well, that just makes it all totally worth it ;)

 

Twins today, just b/c these shirts already existed in our wardrobe
and it's way fun to match with my girly on Halloween :) 

And let's face it, the boys don't like getting their picture taken unless it's for a really good reason.

Soaking Wet

This is how much she LOVES the bath tub. She helped herself in, before we got her clothes off. 

Man, have times changed! She was TERRIFIED for the first 20 or so baths, plus she would not have physically managed that on her own. You would think after having 3 boys, we'd have seen it all. Well, this is definitely a first. All we could do was laugh ;) Boy, did her diaper weigh a ton!

Halloween Party

This weekend, my parents threw quite a party. My Uncle and his wife and my 3 cousins' families were all in attendance. It's a rare treat when we can all be together and SO FUN!

Aunt Lissa, Uncle Alex and Tripp.

Mom and Dad made a little fun house in their unfinished attic.

Glow in the dark balloons, prizes hidden in spaghetti "worms,"

The mosh pit ;) and music for dancing.

My Uncle worked his charm and managed to win Avery over. Not everyone can hold that girl ;)

Second cousins and yummy party food

Most of the kids parents carved pumpkins.

 

Now if only Owen could decide on a costume idea. We are running out of time.

Buddies

Oh my heart!

3 Months with Us

 How can this picture already be a month old? 

And how is it her gotcha was 3 months ago?

via Glorrie Photo

Lots to update. PTL! She continues to surprise us with new things almost daily. Her personality is really starting to shine. Good and bad ;) I must take a series of photos of her facial expressions. They are too much! Her giggle causes me to belly-laugh!

Sleeping:

She is sleeping great at night and at nap time. I get the best snuggle times when I sing her songs before bed. It is a honor to sing "Jesus loves Avery" every night and it makes me stop and thank Him each time. I hold her and pray for her. I wish I could say I pray for her more than that, but I am a busy momma ;)

Eating: 

She is eating so much more and a better variety of foods! And drinking a lot too. We reintroduced wheat and it didn't change a thing. Alleluia. Oat is the newest grain tested and that seems to be fine too. I am adding a lot of high caloric/fatty ingredients whenever I can. She drinks Pedisure with whole milk, several times a day. I add heavy cream to her dairy foods like smoothies, yogurt, creamy soups and ice cream. Coconut or Olive oil to anything that is not a diary product (even applesauce). She has recently started eating more table food including meats. She is living up to her new Irish "Fogarty"name with a love for beef stew (which none of my boys will eat).

Physical:

She is taking a lot more steps. Crawls at lightening speed. Can climb the stairs, climb onto the couch and coffee table :( Weezle out of 5 point harness in her high chair and to stand up :( Climbs onto the open dishwasher door and dryer door. Life with a 2 year old! Remember how she was barely sitting up 3 months ago? It's awesome!

Medically:

The short term plan from GI Dr. seems to be making our life (number of dirty diapers) easier. I don't see how it's really getting to the root gut of the problem, but we have a follow-up on Nov 7th, so I am fine with things for now. She does not seem to be affected or bothered by her condition. I know I am being very vague, sorry, it's pretty personal and since it's not about me, I will keep it vague for now. I am happy to answer questions regarding special needs adoption at anytime, if you email me privately.

Emotionally:

She is happy oh so happy, except when I am cooking dinner. Isn't that wonderfully normal ;) She loves her brothers and wants to be with them now and they don't seem to mind. The novelty of her has not worn off. It's like she just arrived. Seriously, she gets cheers for whatever she does.

We have dropped her off for Sunday nursery 2 weeks in a row. She has done great both times. EJ has done it, I have yet to try. That will be the next step in preparation for the gym nursery.

Speech:

She has a random assortment of words that she uses regularly: hi, thank you, dog (sounds like Duke dog, very appropriate), poop (also appropriate), Uh-oh, ouch and moon. She signs, "more," "please," and "all done." She waves hi and bye and blows kisses (to anyone- mailman, etc)

Overall, we are amazed and thankful. It is like watching a baby grow in fast forward. I am thankful that we were able to witness so much of her life that at 2 yrs. we could have easily missed. I am thankful we could give her the grace and freedom to catch up. I can tell the terrible 2s are right around the corner ;) Which means developmentally she is doing fantastic (at least I will keep telling myself that).

 via Glorrie Photo