THREE!!!

Yesterday, my baby turned three!!!! A milestone that has actually prompted me to take pause and reflect on all the blessings that have been bestowed upon this family. Life has been moving forward with such speed that there hardly seems to be a moment to just sit and soak it all in. We've been moving again and in doing so, I came across the file box I keep all of Kailahni's adoption paperwork in. Looking through it all reminded me of a time in my life that seems light years away...adoption blogs, rumor boards, paperwork, waiting, researching Kailahni's past, discovering her finding ad, reading book upon book about adoption/attachment, traveling to China, seeing her sweet face for the first time, being so connected to other families who were/are on the same path..their children...their journeys. I didn't realize how much I've been missing the connection to the world of international adoption and the people who make it up. I feel such a strong desire to reconnect, and it's my goal to find a way to fit that back in our life. It's important for Kailahni and it matters to me. I feel sad that this blog as been neglected...I know that it means something to other people to be able to see how Kailahni is growing and developing. It means something to me to be able to share it, so I hope to do better at that. My camera was broken a few months ago, so the only pictures I have to post right now are from my phone...not the greatest, but they'll have to do. I don't know when a new camera will fit into our budget, so bare with me.

In a nut shell here's where we are in life. I am basically working full time for the flooring company that Doug manages. I do a lot of work from home, but go to the office a couple times a week. The full time working mom thing as been a huge adjustment for me (hence the blog neglect). It's created quite a bit of upheaval in the workings of this household, but it's getting better. We decided to move to a smaller home closer to work just before the start of school. The move was complicated with the loss of my Grandmother who passed away the weekend we started moving. I was able to be with her in her final days and was able to attend her funeral and I'm grateful for that. However, our move was prolonged and drawn out as a result. Let me tell you...moving in Phoenix, in August...NOT FUN!! We are in our new house now and starting to settle in. I'm really hoping that the decision to simplify our home and location will really benefit us all.

Jacob is now 15 years old and a freshman in High School. He's doing great and has acclimated to yet another brand new school very well. We are so proud of him and the maturity he has shown in coping with all the changes he's faced. Benjamin will be turning 13 soon and is now in Middle School. He too is doing great. This is the first year my boys have attended school at two separate campuses. It's a bit of a juggle, but so far it's working out really well.

Little Miss is changing everyday. She is such a treasure in this household. She tolerated our move amazingly well. We just started her in preschool two days a week. She definitely experiences separation anxiety when we drop her off, but is so excited to tell us about her day when we return. Right now she is just going from 9 to 11:30, but when we feel she is ready, we will let her stay until 1. She acts every bit the part of a three year old. She's extremely talkative and bright. NOTHING gets past her....NOTHING! She loves art, cleaning, toe nail polish, princesses, Hello Kitty, cooking....such a girly girl. She can spot something pink a mile away...even in Home Depot. It's amazing. She lights up our world and we are so proud of what a strong, brave girl she is.

Sorry for the quality of these pictures, but a least it gives you a glimmer as to how our girl is changing and growing. I look forward to hearing from all of you and can't wait to touch base into your worlds as well. I love and miss you all!