And....

we're still here.

Time for the brain emptying:

Let's be real, folks. This gig ain't always easy.
We're tired.
We're cranky.
We're overwhelmed at times.
But things are going well.

I feel like I'm doing a better job this week at not getting as frustrated and at looking at why a behavior occurs rather than just trying to quell it. That's hard, but crucial.

There are times when it feels like people not living in this house take it personally that we haven't called or gotten together more often. It's hard when people don't really understand our situation yet judge us on what we're doing.

Although every single week we are more in control of life, there are still many things, and people, that we are behind on. It's inevitable, but it's getting better.

Eldana starts school in 11 days.
That is unbelievable.
She is excited. I am nervous. I am working on a letter to the staff about appropriate adoption language, some info on trauma and grief in children, and adoption stuff in general. The school has been very welcoming and open to my ideas so far.

2 great Eldana stories from the past week:
As we left church last week Eldana blessed herself with holy water from the fountain. Apparently she didn't use enough water, because she did it again at the next font we passed. As we stepped out onto the church steps, with water dripping down her face, she threw her arms wide and loudly declared "I LOVE God water!"
A couple of nights ago we were reading a children's Bible before bed. We read the short version it had of the fish/loaves of bread story. In the picture it showed Jesus by a small boy holding a basket with fish and bread in it. Beyond them were many people smiling and, apparently, cheering. Eldana asked what those people were doing (some of the people have arms raised and mouths open) and I responded that they were happy to hear Jesus talk to them. She immediately joins in their jubilation, shouting "Go! Go Jesus! Go! Go! Go Jesus!"

Eliana has been talking a lot more and is also changing up her pronunciations a bit.
Yes is now 'Yep'
No is 'Nope'
and More is a strong 'Mo' that makes me laugh out loud every time.

Abigia showed us today, after watching some Olympics gymnastics, that she can do a forward handspring. It kind of freaks me out in a 'please-oh-please don't break your neck' sort of way.


I know you want pictures, but I'm just too tired to dig around for them. Soon..... I'll return soon.....

Tonight I'm thankful for:
the opportunity to be a parent
forgiveness
and wind.