Rhythm

(If you make it to the end, there are pictures awaiting!!....lol....cuz, I KNOW that's what you really want to see!!)

Exhale.......our family has hit our stride, found its rhythm & are settling into a blissful routine. It was a month ago today that we flew half-way around the world to bring home our baby boy. We knew him then only through glimpses & snippets and yet KNEW he was destined to complete our family. This time one month ago was filled with tremendous hope, regret over leaving our precious daughter at home while overseas ,anxiety and some fear of the unknown. I wondered at that time how this one tiny boy would blend into our established daily routine, how the dynamics of our family would change, would a strong sibling bond develop?.........I wondered what things made him smile, comforted him, engaged him........I yearned with my Mama's heart to breathe in his baby scent and hold him forever in my arms.

Inhale with joy & deep deep gratitude...........today I can say that we have weathered the shift in time zones, recovered from multiple germs, overcome jet lag and our transition, while far from complete, is successful. OH, I know there will still be those days.........all you ladies know what days I'm talking about.........one baby crying, in need of a bottle.....one six year old, intent on sharing a very elaborate story that demands complete attention ( cuz, yeah, there will be a quiz later!), cue in one barking dog.......a Mama who really needs to tee-tee ( and probably has not showered yet for the day!) and yep......the phone rings or doorbell dings..........feel free to insert ANY set of circumstances that fit your life today and you KNOW what I speak of! BUT this Mama is back in her own bed at night, relishing the sweet sighs of two angels asleep and safe in their own crib/bed(s) and believes that her family is gathering the strength of unity, love and "togetherness". And that's priceless......

Hiccup, with a giggle.........yes, so many of you have been sweet enough to inquire about how Lauren is adjusting to her role of Big Sis! The sickness (2!) she endured was certainly a hiccup, but in the past week plus we have seen the relationship between her and Tyler blossom and flourish. My heart sings with joy & pride when I witness his absolute delight and sheer pleasure when she walks into the room and calls his name. She reads to him daily and when he spies her approach with one of his favorite( he has several!) books, he begins to giggle....scoot along his bottom and babble like mad! I know for certain that her affection and attentions have greatly eased his grieving and helped him learn to recognize his new first name. I believe in my heart, that the joy she shares with him, is equal to the happiness that he has brought to her. The happiest time of my day is spent watching the two of them cuddle or play.


I wish to close this post today, with something for prospective adoptive Mamas....whether they be first timers, or readying themselves to bring home #4! Please do allow yourself adjustment time.......and even more importantly, the luxury of understanding that mistakes will be made( for my part, I've stopped counting..lol)........that expectations might be different from the reality ( for worse OR better!!) and not to push yourself quite as hard as you may be tempted in those first few weeks. I only partially heeded my own advice and hindsight ALWAYS graces us with crystal insight. I know I was hard on myself......I know there were times I should have rested, when instead I was sweeping, or cleaning the bathroom or worrying over something! If you can.......just allow yourself the gift of time............to embrace every moment of those fleeting first weeks!

Wishing you all a glorious weekend!


My sweet baby looks so big next to his Sis.....but look how tiny he really is in that huge crib!

Matching laughs and matching faces while they play!

I LOVE LOVE the look on his face whenever Lauren comes over to play! And if you look close, you can see her joy too!

Can't resist adding this one.......its one of their favorite games......Lauren dubbed it "Tyler Taxi". And no, we don't usually get him in his snowsuit....just a coincidence on this day! :) AND these past few days its been so beautiful and warm enough that our taxi service has finally made it outside!! Yay for early Spring!!