An Update.

We are approaching six months as a family of 7.
Six months of choas, stress, tears, smiles, laughs, and love.

Jon and I never knew what we agreed to when we said yes to these girls nearly half a year ago. Liam and Adelyn have grown to love them and even consider them like sisters. We have been able to get ourselves into a good routine to maintain sanity and ensure that everyone gets to where they need to be....at lease 99% of the time.

A is in kindergarten and although she has some behavioral issues at school, she is improving greatly. When she first came to us, she knew three letters by site and only some of her colors and shapes. She couldn't even write her name. Now, she has about 80% of everything down. I'm very proud of her. What she lacks in that area of knowledge, she definitely makes up for it in her life skills. When she came to us she could tie her shoes, change a diaper, and make a bottle. How many kids can do that at age 4? She was forced to grow up too quickly and it has been a challenge to try to get her to slow down. She has a big attitude and likes to be in charge. This behavior reflects how she was expected to take care of her sisters when she was just a baby herself. If she has a banana, cookie, anything.. she will automatically break it up into three pieces and share with her sisters. She has protective instincts I don't think I developed until I became a mother. I constantly pray that she can learn to control the urges to control the world and just be a kid. She deserves nothing less.

B is my wildcard. Sometimes she's the most precious thing with the sweetest little voice but other times her terrible two-ness comes out and she gets so sassy as she throws a temper tantrum on the floor. She likes everything to be a certain way and when it's not, she can't take it. At first, she didn't really talk. Actually, I'm pretty sure she didn't try to make any kind of verbalization until at least two weeks after they came to live with us. She only babbled and couldn't make any words. Now, I can't get her to be quiet! She is still a little delayed with her speech but she is making words and it has become a lot easier to understand. She loves saying "I a pin-cess" and she loves wearing the princess dresses. That is her currency. Other than time-out, which doesn't even phase her, if she isn't listened she gets her dresses put up for a little bit. You would seriously think it was the end of the world. She loves to "explore" or as I like to call it MESSING! I don't know another kid that would use the cottage cheese on their dinner plate like sunscreen and spread it on all over their arms and face.

C has celebrated her first birthday, took her first steps, and said her first words while in our care. I feel badly for her mom because she wasn't able to experience those things with her. C does a great job keeping up with Liam, Addie, A, and B. She is a climber and is able to get on the couch or chair with the other kids when they are watching a movie or playing with something at the dining room table. Thankfully, she hasn't figured out the baby gates yet or we would be in big trouble! Her personality is really starting to come out and if I know any better, she is going to be the one that tries to push the limits. I can see her testing Jon and myself at times and it is hard not to give in to her because she is so sweet but we try to provide consistency for her so she knows what she can and cannot get away with.

I'm just finishing up my first semester of nursing school while working almost 20 hours a week. I don't think I have every been more stressed out, tired.....no, exhausted, and weepy in my life. Often, I get so overwhelmed that I just cry and that is usually not like me. I am so thankful that I have such an amazing support system that has really carried me through the tough times. Jon is my teammate in this endeavor. He definitely picks up the slack where I lack. My mom has come up many times to give me a hand with the kids and just give me a little time to breathe. My in-laws have taken Liam and Addie several times to lighten the load so we only have 3 kids for a weekend.

**Our families have been so welcoming and loving to our girls. We celebrated their birthdays three months in a row! I know it was a lot for them because Jon & Addie's are in March, mine is in April, Liam's is May, and three girls each have one in June, July, and August. It was a lot of birthday fun but our families ensured that they had the best birthday possible. They were the same kinds of parties that my kids would have. What a blessing! My aunt Shara is the closest family member we have up here and she has been a pivotal part of our successes so far. Do you know how hard it is to get one kid to preschool, one to a babysitter, two to daycare, and one to kindergarten? Shara helps us out when she can by driving Liam and Addie to and from the east side. She is also able to watch the girls if Jon and I need a little break. One of her boys is almost the same age as Liam and she lets me borrow him to keep Liam entertained and takes Liam to her house to offer me some time without Liam and A constantly trying to one-up each other. When I get really stressed, she inspires me. She handles her two boys, who are smart, respectful, well-rounded dudes, with grace and does it on her own. She reminds me that anything is possible as long as you don't give up and persevere. I probably should have started out with her because she is one of my biggest cheerleaders and support. Forgive me? <3 br="">

My dearest friends Cyndel and Meghan have provided support and encouragement when I've needed it most. Cyndel and her mom even reached out to me when I didn't even ask and helped to clean my house when it really needed it. Meghan lends an ear and lets me vent and gives me advice that is actually worth something and makes me feel better. Even one of my newest friends, Brittni, has come over and helped me organize and tidy up. I am so blessed with such caring people to help me and Jon along this crazy season in our lives especially when we don't seek out any assistance. I believe friends who can recognize that you are struggling and reach out to you are the best kind of friends there is. I appreciate it so much I could about cry while typing this.

The holiday season is approaching and I am predicting things are going to get a little crazy.
..but I'm going to try not to think about that just yet. ;)

[pardon all spelling and grammatical errors......it's late]