How are the kids?

Swinging

Many of you have asked how our older two are handling the newest addition. Overall, they are doing very well. They are learning to love their little brother and frequently comment on how cute he is (as in "Oh, he's so cute!") But, as all siblings do, they have their moments when they'd rather have him in another room (or another house!)

Adding a third child through adoption has been an adjustment for us all, Noah included. Our oldest son is outwardly struggling the most. He has started seeking the attention he's been missing in some not so positive ways. What could this sweet child possibly be doing? He drew a realistic beard and mustache on his face using black marker. Very uncharacteristic for him! (Don't worry. Our daughter still holds the record for impromptu face design.) He threw his regulation soccer ball in the toilet and flushed multiple times. Fortunately, there was no damage done to the toilet and I received a sparkling clean bathroom as a part of his consequence.

Our daughter has been the perfect, little helper. She loves to dress Noah, comb his hair, help him walk, feed him, change his diaper, and push him in the stroller. She thinks she's hit the jackpot and has her own life-sized doll! It's hard on her because I'm constantly asking her to let him do it himself. We are finding additional ways to keep her involved and a part of his care.

We are realizing that the adjustment phase will continue for sometime, even up to a year. Mark and I are working to balance our time between each child and still reserve energy for each other, let alone all the other tasks and responsibilities that we have. We are a work in progress as God continues to refine us day by day, moment by moment.