Friday, December 29, 2006

4 Kids + 1 Dog + 32 family members = 1 busy week













It's now been nearly 2 weeks since we got home from Ethiopia and we are settling in nicely. It's amazing how fast time goes by when you are home. The 2 weeks we were in Ethiopia seemed, at times, to just drag on and on. But with Christmas, work, housekeeping, doctor appointments, restaurant runs, visitors, and everything else, 2 weeks flew by like it was 2 days!

But Em and I are doing really well. Emilee is feeling much better now. She even tackled staying home with all 4 kids....alone! For the entire day! TWICE!! I had to work and Vicki was still away at home, a well-earned respite from the family clan.

Isayas is doing beautifully! The progress he's made in the 2 weeks we've been home is remarkable. It's been several days since a major tantrum, as Emilee has figured out how to diffuse him quickly. He's attaching to everyone in the house really well, even the dog! He pets her, and talks to her, and feeds her his food, and tries to run her over with his trucks. Isayas seems to be thriving in the home setting, surrounded by lots of love and attention, and he just sucks up the cherishment he gets from mom and dad, and especially his Papas, Nana, Grammie, and Grandpa.

Joshua Molla is also doing very well. Our sleep training is doing wonders and we are almost on a set schedule for him. He sleeps from 4:30-7:00pm usually, then he goes back down around 9:15pm for the night, not to wake up again until 7:30-8:00am! YES!!! The rest of the day is still a struggle, as he is like his daddy, never wanting to fall asleep, afraid he's going to miss all the fun! Joshua is still sucking down the "gold" formula. It seems to be working with his bacteria problem, but we'll see the doctor again soon. He's really put on some weight now, he's almost chunky!

Chloe and Maya are also having lots of fun playing with the boys and loving the one-on-one time with mom and dad whenever we can get it. I think I'm going to take the girls bowling soon. You got to start them young, you know.

I hope everyone has a happy new year!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Emilee and Mario,
What a wonderful update to read.
I think of you often and wonder how you are all transitioning. I LOVE the picture of the children on the floor together. Joshua sounds like he is settling in nicely. And Isayas... what a blessing to hear how well he is doing at home. Nahom is the same. Seems to be really coming into his own in the home setting.
You are all in our prayers.
Take care and have a Blessed New year!!!
Andrea
andreag_98@yahoo.com

Kent D said...

Emilee, Mario and Fam,

Great to hear you are all doing so well. Ella Mesay has adjusted as well. It is amazing what having a home (and being in one) will do for a person. Wish you a very happy New Year. Kent and Julia.

Susy Q said...

Your kids are just TOO adorable!!

KelseyChristine said...

They are all so cute!! I love the picture of Molla under the Christmas tree. We live in MPLS too, maybe Tekle and Isayas could have a play date sometime :)