Yes, we've been busy.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, and just been a blessing to us in so many ways. I can't even tell you how great it is to loved by my "family". (And by family, I mean all of you, in case you weren't paying attention.)

Anyway, I thought I would give the update on how we are doing. In a word, Exhausted. But not nearly as exhausted as we were yesterday. Jet lag has gotten us, especially the kids. They all three slept through the first night, but have woken up at least once every night since then. Sometimes, they are up multiple times. Tonight (as every night) I have high hopes that no one will get up until 6:30am (and then, only Ben).

Kate is especially having trouble sleeping, (Bless her heart, wouldn't you?) but she continues to improve each night. Last night she slept from 1:00am to 10:00am. Unfortunately Tim and I had to get up earlier than that, but it was good for her.

With so many things, we are two steps forward, one step back in our relationships with her, but I am so thankful for each step forward. God is being faithful as I cry out to Him, and He loves this little girl even more than I do, right? Today was actually a really good day. She didn't want me out of her sight - she took a nap in my arms, she went shopping in the carrier tied to my hip, and let me bathe her without too many tears. And to think two weeks ago she was giving me dirty looks just for talking.

On Friday, the boys and I slept in, while Tim took Kate to work to show off. He brought her back at lunch time, and she did great when he had to leave. She grinned and waved bye-bye. She would stop at the door occasionally to look for him, but was so entertained by the boys that she did fine. When he got home, she jumped into his arms for hugs. While he was gone, the boys and I taught her how to "go boom" down the stairs. My nieces, Bri and Danielle, taught Ben how to do this when he was Kate's age. It's basically going down on your bottom and saying boom every time you go down one. Two year olds think its hilarious.

As usual, we have had our share of adventures. On Saturday, my college roommates were having lunch at PF Chang's. It is kind of "our spot", so even though I had just returned from China 36 hours earlier, I gathered up the children and went to join them. We hadn't been there 3 minutes, when Kate asked to be picked up. I thought, oh this is good... until I felt a warm liquid flowing down my back. She had puked up all of the antibiotics Daddy had just given her. I have some of the greatest friends in the world. Tara started wiping us down, Stacie ran down to Penney's to get me a new shirt, and Shelley entertained the other four children who were present. How many friends would do that? Actually I am blessed to have many friends who would stand by my side through anything, but baby puke in PF Chang's? That's awesome. Seriously.

On Sunday, Tim's parents stopped by to visit. We had a little impromptu birthday celebration, since Kate had turned 2 during our travels. I had been craving chocolate cake, so this was really just an excuse for me to make one. (I am wondering about leftovers even now.) Kate did really well with Grammy and Boo-Pa. I am hoping that by introducing relatives slowly that she will be ready for the holidays.

She also did great at church, except she thought it was a little weird that all those people kept coming up to her and staring. (It really is ok, but that was her perspective on things.) Tim took her on stage when he read scripture and she clapped when everyone else clapped for her. She LOVED the music. She clapped and swayed, and she kept looking up at the ceiling while she did it. She pretty much stole everyone's attention. And their hearts.

Tonight, Daddy carved the pumpkin while the kids helped. Ok, actually, they ran around the yard screaming and telling Daddy the pumpkin smelled bad. But they did have input on the design. And more importantly, they had fun.

(Kate NaNa, wearing her hat that Chuck and Debbie made...where are C&D now anyway???)

We have some difficult moments, but she is basically a happy little girl with a whole lot of spunk. Whenever I take her picture, she wants to take pictures too. Here are the only decent ones she has taken out of over 100:

So that is the wrap up of re-entry into real life. We are taking it slow, but stop by sometime and visit. We are proud parents who like to show off!!