Finally an Update!

I've been meaning to post an update for the past few weeks, but each time I have a moment, I'm too tired!

 

We are doing well!  Very well!  So well that I keep wondering when this honeymoon stage will end.  But then I'm not sure it is just the honeymoon stage.  Perhaps, it is our new normal.  God has been so very gracious, and made this entire adoption an out of this world experience and I have a feeling this whole bonding adjusting thing is another one of His out of this world things! 

 

A few days ago I was chatting with a friend and mentioned how we know what to expect...how we feel like we're gulping water in a huge ocean for the first 3 months, how at 6 months we finally feel that we've learned to tread water, and by a year we can see that our new normal is very good and we love it.

 

It was only after our conversation, that it dawned on me that not only are we treading water most of the time, with a few big gulps of unwanted water, but that our new normal feels very normal!

 

I honestly think a huge part of this is the incredible support we have had.  Yes, there are still people who chose to ignore our new arrival.  That has always happened and I have come to the conclusion it always will happen.  The faces change, but the instigator doesn't.  Satan hates adoption and he will do whatever he can to make life miserable for as many people as possible. Understanding that this is a war against darkness and evil puts so many things into perspective.

 

Thanks to all of you that have prayed for us.  There are people around the world that have prayed for Wren and her forever family since she was an infant.  I have never met many of these people, but if you happen to read this...please know we send you a GREAT BIG "THANK YOU!!"

 

There are still people around the world praying for us...in China, USA, and Canada.  There are people in our local church and community that have and continue to uplift us in prayer.  Thank you!

 

And then there are the meals!  Oh, my!  We have been treated like royalty!  So very many people have brought the most delicious meals and baking. And it has been such an amazing relief and an incredible help in our bonding and adjusting process.  Thank you to each and every one of you!

 

Wren is doing well. 

 

What that means is this...she is happy.  She is grieving.  She is testing the boundaries.  She fits into our family perfectly.  Her siblings adore her...at least when they're not dealing with an episode of jealousy. 

 

And in it all, Wren is learning to trust...learning to cuddle, learning to be loved as only a mama, papa and siblings can love.  And we continue to fall more in love with our precious Wren each day!

 

 

 

Wren loves to play dress up with Malia and Raina.  She likes to play with her dolls and Barbies. She loves to colour.  She loves being outside, even in the miserable cold!  She loves bossing Jackson around...and he hates it! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She loves "skating".  And the other kids love pushing her around.

 

 We've been busy getting ready for Christmas.  We scaled back a lot this year, but still managed to do a bit of Christmas baking and decorated a Gingerbread house.

 

One of the greatest blessings and most spectacular gifts of all, is having Carla and Nate lend us 2 chairs.  The one above, which we use when we head out; and the one below, which we use at home.  It has saved our backs, not to mention a whole lot of other inconveniences!  Thank you for being so gracious and thoughtful!



 

 

I really like how the lighting in this pic makes the basement ceiling look a little less ugly and unfinished!  lol!

 

But mostly what I LOVE is the awe and wonder in Wren's face as she admired that big, beautiful tree!

 

 







 

I had to post pics of this little guy.  He is struggling.  He has lost his position as being the one needing the most help.  And that's hard for him!

 

His sweetness melts my heart!

 

 

 

These three...who knew I would have not one, not two, but three gorgeous girls?!?! 

Be still my heart!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 ;)