February Update...

There have been a lot of "firsts" this year... and most have been a blur. It amazes us that we can count back on one hand the amount of time we could officially call Ayden our own. It wasn't all that long ago that we brought Garrett home and he basically rules us. I thought Garrett's transition was easy until Ayden came along. Having Jordan and Garrett in the mix has helped tremendously. I can tell each day that Ayden grasps more and more of her secure world with us. She has started to say a version of mom that sounds more like.... mmmmmmum and clearly lights up when I am around. How can you ever beat that feeling? Other then that, she makes her needs known very clearly without words.

I won't say that we aren't without feeling stretched at times and I will admit that I get down to there level more often then I probably should, but at the end of the day... I am so grateful for each hug I get, a special look or even just a smile.

We had a wonderful two week visit with Coach (Chris's dad). Ann came into town a week later. It was such a treat to have some help with the preschool runs. They cut me off cold turkey on Saturday when they left, but I was so grateful to have another driver and hands around the house. It can certainly get busy around here. They will definitely need a vacation from their vacation.

February in Florida...

Can't believe we have been home only 4 months. Once again, the adjustment process has been so smooth. Ayden learned very quickly that kisses are constant and hugs are tight and never ending. How quickly they grow use to them and seek them out. She seems to be going through some stranger anxiety which is great for her to differentiate Chris and I from everyone else. It shows that she is learnging to trust us and find comfort in her environment.

We have spent several days at the beach. At first Ayden wasn't too sure of the sand, but now she is the loudest to scream when it is time to pack it up. She has developed this new crawl we call the "bumb." We can't keep her out of the water. We spend the entire time picking her up and placing her near the sand chairs and she will "bump" her way down to the waters edge. She does not like waiting for the water rotation and will "bump" her way through the waves to get to us. It stops many people on the beach and creates a lot of laughs. I think we would feel a little more comfortable if she showed us a bit of fear while in the water.

Garrett can get her to belly laugh so loud. One minute he is playing with her ... the next he is taking a toy from her and putting it just out of her reach. He defines middle child syndrome.

We are looking forward to having Gram and Coach in a few weeks. Coach is staying with us for a few weeks to thaw out a bit. I hope he has rested up. At the very least, he will be well entertained.