Settling In!

We've been home with our precious new children for two weeks.  Anyone who is close to the adoption realm knows that the range of the honeymoon period varies greatly from child to child.  We had a wonderful few days visiting with the kids back in January - but definitely saw glimpses of behaviors that showed that the kids were processing all that was happening to their little lives.  When we arrived to pick up the kids and begin life as a family - - the kids started right in!  It was a hard first day or two as they were testing boundaries and learning if they could trust us with their emotions.  They were doing their best to cope with all the goodbyes that they had to give and the preparation for all the hellos to new family that would be coming in the days to come.  They did great on the drive home and were anxious to meet all their new siblings.  We were blessed to be able to bring them home during Spring Break week so the kids were all home and able to spend some precious time getting to know each other.  There were healthy emotions from all of the children as they got used to the idea of each other.

The first week was full of lots of fun and relaxation as we provided unstructured time to just be together.  They did well processing through a high stimulating holiday right off the bat - - anyone who has been there done that knows how huge of a success that is!  They did well out and about for short amounts of time and have even done okay with others in our home for limited amounts of time.  Our transition time and cocooning has looked very different this time around.  Last time we adopted, the boys were in pure CULTURE shock!  Everything was brand new and overwhelming - from the smells they smelled to the food they ate to the language they heard and spoke.  This time there is new and change but the sense of feeling overwhelmed is much different and seems easier.  When there are frustrations or confusions or emotions - the kids have the language and the words to talk it through which makes life a whole lot easier as we help them process and heal.

This last week school started back up which meant early mornings and routines.  It meant added stress and anxiety from everyone.  Josh and I have been blessed with the opportunity to be home for a few weeks during this initial transition period and boy am I thankful.  It takes a lot of energy - physically and emotionally - to blend relationships and build trust.  There has been intentional time spent with each kid in the house at different stages throughout the day as they seek affirmation and assurance that they are loved and as they process through the change.

As we get to know what our new normal is and begin to settle in - it never ceases to amaze me that God orchestrates everything so perfectly.  I find myself looking around my living room when we are all crashed out, draped under blankets, cuddled up to each other - and my heart feels full!!  A smile comes to my face and my heart sighs deeply as I think about God bringing all of these precious children into my care in all of their own unique ways.  It brings joy as I look at all the shades of skin and the rainbow of hair colors - it makes me smile knowing that this is what God's love is and I get a glimpse of it every single day!

So - moving forward we are going to continue to love on the kids that God has given us!  We are going to continue to trust Him to help us build trust and love into our children's hearts and show them what FAMILY looks like.  We are thankful for the prayers and encouragement of those of you who have stood by our side and stepped in to be our village!  We are thankful for those that have brought meals or sent bags of clothes!  We are thankful for those that have asked our kids about their new siblings and gave them a little hug as they shared their hearts.  We are thankful for amazing coworkers/friends who have stepped in to make sure things ran smoothly while we are taking time to be home with our family.  Mostly we are thankful for the chance to be right here-right now as God works in and through our family!

Keep praying for us as we know everyone will continue to cope and process.  Keep praying for us as we continue to trust God with our hearts and our family - on the good days and the hard days that are sure to come.