The whole family settles in

Introduction to Quinn: lyrics from The King and I

 "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you. 

Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me…"

Anabelle loves her brother! She pats him and kisses him and will try to pick him up if the need arises. He's a sweet mellow guy. In my opinion the stereotypical 3rd child :0)

 Henry has a lego calendar that was configured to February when I got there but the next morning he redid it to be March. He made April and was starting on May before we left. What a boy! 

"Haven't you noticed, Suddenly I'm bright and breezy 

Because of all the beautiful and new, Things I'm learning about you 

Day by day!"

Cherise caught this elusive baby smile for me. She photographed one of her own just this morning.

There's little that compares to first smiles.

Getting back to "normal"

Before Quinn came along, Cherise wrote out a schedule of the kids' day and left it on the counter "just in case". Included was the time they usually wake up, what times they eat, and when naps and bedtimes were. These guys have a wonderful balance of activities during the day. Of course they'd love to watch tv or play video games more than some other things but they are encouraged to get busy with non screen time play and away they go. Henry is definitely a lego lovin' boy. Anabelle likes to "help" around the house. Laundry and dishes are favorites.

They have large building sets and princess toys too. This play fort was built and the chairs set inside of it. 

It's all part of the package

Quinn had one night that he was awake until almost 3 a.m. But, you know, it's hard getting used to life out in the big world. This comic strip is on the bulletin board in their kitchen. There are going to be days like that.

However….

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

The FAB FIVE!

Here is one of the first whole family pictures. A candid of what life is going to look like from here on out. It's going to be crazy, busy and sometimes distracted, but also cozy, sweet, and happy. 

And we are thankful.