The Latest

I've been lazy with the blog.

There are days I'd rather read everyone else's than have to figure out what to say on mine.

Last night I realized we had a really easy day and they've been more and more. I'm thinking that not only is it starting to feel normal to have two kids close to the same age, but that our adoption transition is ironing out and there are less bumps in the road. With Wesley and Trey I always felt like I had 2 "only" children at the same time. And it was too easy at times. Sounds weird, I know.

I really need to make her a new photo album of her own to carry around. When she looks at the one we sent to her in China she tells me that she's not in any of the pictures. I have so many feelings go through me when she does that. She now identifies herself as ours.

She loves when we are all in one room together. Saturday morning her and Trey got up and came into our room and we all laid in the bed together. She kept placing Trent and my hands on top of her and Trey to sort of wrap us all together and would then giggle and smile.

Yesterday, Trent and Trey left to go to 4-H and she ran after them and wanted to get into the truck. Trent told her no she had to stay with mommy. She didn't cry, but stood outside and watched them drive away.

Her English is coming along. She doesn't try really hard- but I've noticed new words lately. Right now we are working on speech as we do workbooks during the day. When she gets tired of trying she whines and wants to quit, so I am trying a reward system for her. So far she likes it and it's working.

Trey is going through the adjustment period of not being an only child. It's been hard for him. About a month ago the new wore off and he decided he liked being an only child. He still has moments of pride and joy that she is finally here and is the sweetest big brother, and then he gets annoyed with her easily and can be mean to her. (Just yesterday he told Trent that he thinks she's beautiful even with her cleft lip and palate.) I've learned it is normal for him to feel this way and we are teaching him how to share his space. He's getting more one on one time with dad while he adjusts. I really think this summer will be the turning point for the two of them. I'm so excited to have both of them here all day together.

Wesley, on the other hand, is so wonderful with her! Of course, he isn't here all the time and doesn't have to share like Trey does. He plays with her and helps her when she needs it. She adores him and it's cute that she calls him "Big GeGe". It will be nice to have him home this summer so they can really get to know each other better.

Thursday she will have tubes put in her ears. We are praying this helps the hearing in her right ear and her speech. I think the next thing will orthodontics.

Lot's of photos to share- then it's time to get to the garden- before the 35mph wind starts. Yea.

Trey and Isabella colored Easter Eggs. Thanks Grandma Joyce! Wish you could

have been the one to help. My patience ran out.

That's a lot of work!! (and mess!)

Their Easter presents from Grandma Joyce and Grandpa Rodney came in the mail. They have had a lot of fun playing with all the fun things in their baskets!

We tried to get some good family photos this year. With Wesley in college- it's really hard.

These next few are fun and silly. I remember when Wesley went through the "NO Pictures!" stage. Now Trey thinks he has to do the same.

Isabella got a new bike for Easter and she has ridden it every day!

I really miss my BIG baby and love when he comes home....and then loves when he goes back. : )

We took a thousand of these- just to try to get everyone at least looking in the same direction. It was so funny to see all of the different poses that we ended up with. Priceless, really.

Her first Easter Egg Hunt and she came out with the most!