Back On-Line

Since Lily Rose's adoption in July, and Lily Rose and Isabelle's surgeries' in September and October (respectively), we've been settling into a new normal with a 6th daughter.   I purposed to "go off the grid" for a season and stepping away from the majority of blogging, e-mailing, facebooking, phone calls, socializing etc. was a nice break while I concentrated on family life.  But I'm back on-line....

Here's a run-down of the major events in the last 6 months...

Michaela celebrated her 16th birthday.

Lily Rose celebrated her 4th birthday.

Lily Rose is a cheerful, easy-going addition to the family with a bit of dramatic flair. We jokingly refer to her as Scarlet on occasion (i.e. Scarlet O'Hara) as she doesn't pass up the chance to be the center of attention! On our errands to stores, she is quick to wave to everyone and "talk" to them in a mix of English and made-up words. She has forgotten the majority of her Shanghinese but still doesn't know enough English to fully express herself. It doesn't deter her. She just makes up her own words.

AnnaGrace continued her love for acting by participating in our church's Christmas play and is now in the midst of a five month preparation for Tom Sawyer.

We celebrated Isabelle's two year Gotcha Day...at our favorite Mexican restaurant, of course!

and Sarah Mei celebrated her 6th birthday.

It's been a busy six months!

One of my favorite pictures from Christmas  is below.  It's especially precious because, when Lily Rose joined our family, Isabelle had a LONG three month adjustment to being displaced as the youngest.  (Even though chronologically Izzy is younger than Lily Rose by six months, developmentally she is far more advanced.) Thankfully Izzy is over the adjustment now and tells me that Lily Rose is her "buddy".

This picture captures their relationship now.  It's SO sweet to see them playing together...

In the midst of all the chaos of having an 11, 6, 4 and 3 year old, I'm SO thankful for our "Big" girls who are so on-board with our crazy family!  Just the other day Michaela said, "Mom it's been 6 months, isn't it time to start filling out paperwork for another heart child?'  I love that Torie and Michaela love their little sisters and understand the calling the Lord has laid on Phil's and my heart!  "Thanks" just isn't adequate!!  I love you girls!!