Harper turns 6!

6 is hard to believe. The first time it happened it just left me in tears. This being the 3rd time someone is turning 6- feels more like. What is happening?! STOP. There is no way she is 6! And still it comes anyways. I love Harper in the middle. Not because she always tells me I'm pretty, but that doesn't hurt ;) She is such balance for our family. I'm always surprised that she knows just when to offer the right word at the right time. Or usher in laughter to lighten the mood. She always has a hug and how was your day? And she has the best laugh! I'm so thankful she's ours. She's such a delight! I can't imagine life without her! She's the best little sister and the best big sister- such an awesome piece to our family dynamic. Love you big Harper girl! 

4 months

Month 4 is mostly upstaged by your adorable pony! I mean with 4 girls we basically hold our breath until you join the pony club! Kidding- but really you are too stinking cute! 

Mostly Joli you are flexible. Kind and loving. You love a good snooze.

You are obsessed with snacks! We found a milk your belly can tolerate. You like to try new things. Your vocabulary continues to improve and you've decided to scale the stairs on your own. All giant steps for a teeny peanut! Such a privilege to get to watch you bloom!!! 

3 Months

Month 3 held one of my very favorite times of year! Christmas.  You loved helping with the tree and the sparkly lights. We had lots of company and lots of new experiences! Looking back in reverse makes it feel like all that time passed in a blink of an eye. I can only imagine what your little mind thought of all the crazy happening! Then New Years arrived with 2016! 

Monkey see, Monkey Do! 

Quilt finally completed for Christmas!! My project timeline this round was way off!!! 

Vibi's quilt for Christmas- a surprise and finally completed just in time! I love the red poppies! One day I'll sew again ;)

Check up at orthopedic Dr. Surprised by your progress & change. Well of course you are awesome- tell us something we don't know. Yes I have 5 kids, no I didn't stutter. People are funny! 

Best gift of all well with exception of Jesus, but you get the idea! 

Browns in and out before Snowmaggedkn arrived. Which was more hooplah then snow in or neck of the woods. But made for interesting table talk anyhow. 

This cracks me up. You are so delicate and careful. You love hot broth. It just hits the spot. Off to 2016 we go! 

Joli- 2 months

Month two rolled in fast and furiously! We had Thanksgiving and the kiddos were on break so it was nice having everyone home! It was certainly a time to reflect on all the Lord has done for us over the years and we were so very thankful to have you surrounding the table with us! Harper felt icky for most of the day, but of course helped with table side entertainment when the time was right. Puzzles were started and Tinlee helped in the kitchen. It was a wonderful time with you staying close by and taking it all in!! All our Love! Xoxo 

Joli Hope- 1 month

Let me just confess if you come after #1 life seems a tad bit unfair- but before you judge...know that it doesn't mean less love- it basically means mom got lazy and opted for phone pics because it seems to get the job done & I tried to be present rather then always behind the camera lens.

With that being said- 6 months ago you came home! 

That included Halloween, Moms least favorite holiday ever- but we still managed to get dressed up and out and about in hopes of suckers & chocolate. You were adorable of course!

You also survived your first Dr appointments and moms 1 month picture collage. 

You were exhausted taking in everything new and learning so speedily! So our first days looked pretty underwhelming. You slept in until 10am everyday which was awesome because sister Kai was trying to kill me because she wasn't a fan of jet lag or change ;) 

We did lots of snuggling and getting to know everyone in your new family! 

I finally hung pictures on your walls! That just took me 3 years and we got you a new big girl bed. I had hoped you'd sleep in our room for a bit but that didn't appeal to you at all. You wanted to be in your space with your new sisters which is more then awesome! I can't believe 6 months have come and gone- you bring such Hope to our home! Love you peanut! 

Catch up!

We arrived safe and sound...exhausted and overwhelmed by sweet greetings! We landed in Texas before we left China on the same day! That crazy just takes it out of you. It's always nice to be Home! We have been busy settling in...Gunnar wrapped his flag football season, Drs checkups for Joli, everyone had a turn being sick, we had Veterans Day and thanksgiving gatherings...its been a whirlwind. All the while smiles on our faces and probably I'm sure looks of distress more then once as we've teetered to find our new normal. 

A supermom I met in China mentioned that adoption exposed our own sin...selfish behaviors...our idols. Not things we jump to expose. 

I've felt so exposed. And more then once like I am just making a huge mess with this catastrophe of ours. But the Lord has just been rolling back with Grace and mercy for this weary Mom. 

Tonight as I was tucking Joli in, tears just leaked out with how good He is. Everything logical and reasonable pointed to a different path for this journey. But this little person's story is so much different then what I was expecting or preparing for. She's had a rough start absolutely!! But in spite of that she is so tender and loving and joy filled...she brings me so much Hope! 

I forget I can't plan what to expect from the Lords path! I've been round this circle before...it continues to expose and also redeem such goodness from God. I do get frustrated thinking- oh here we go again...but really this hard headed momma needs another go! 

All

Is

Grace! 

It is...the good the bad the ugly, the misunderstood, ALL of it. And I'm slowly learning to just press in to that moment of understanding and say Yes Lord! yes! 

Joli is a whopping 21.7lbs...that doesn't sound like much but the change is simply remarkable. I am amazed at her transformation and we are just days in. She babbles off lots of words...Momma, Dada, Harper, Kai Kai, bye bye, hello, no no, sucker ;) and can do a few signs to help with our communication barrier. 

She likes to color and play with stickers. She's getting brave and climbing stairs and chairs! She loves to dance. And she's the best snuggly little thing, we rock and sing...it is absolutely beyond anything I could have imagined. 

I'm a wait for the bottom to fall out of things person. Not glass half full, like my glass has a hole in it kind of person. That's so depressing I know. But I think what God is showing me is this desperate view keeps me searching for Him and when He shows up He shines! Like there's no arguing with Him. 

And thankfully inspite of me. I have this house full of kiddos that amaze me. And I'm allowed new mercies every morning to start again, fresher, and hopefully better then the last...but if not He's still

Good! 

Hump Day!!!

We applied for Joli's visa...when it is in hand we are ready to roll. When we land in TX she'll be our newest little American. We of course brought out our red white and blue for the occasion. 

We took group photos in traditional Chinese dress. Joli was feeling pretty fancy. You could tell she knew just how beautiful she looked! 

Here we are...you can read Kai's excitement...we were ready for lunch half an hour earlier! 

And lunch...I made everyone smile...a picture doesn't really do it justice. The last two weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions...but this group! They really helped lift spirits and encourage. It was life in our sails lots of days. And get this?!...this table...a combination of 24 children! I would love to see us all in one room together! Just a dull roar of wonderful ;) I look forward to hearing how your stories continue to unfold. God has been gracious and wonderful to each of us and I'm so grateful He let us break bread together!