Three months later

I have to apologize to everyone for not posting updates, but I hope you can understand that my free time has moved into other areas of my life, and it doesn't involve sitting down at the computer much anymore.  I have been terrible about replying to emails and so many people have checked in on us. Please forgive me, and I hope this updates helps a bit.

We have seen so much improvement with Sarah, who by far had the most difficult transition of any of us.  Our concerns about her eating issues have been put to rest as she's managed the steep climb from only drinking formula from a bottle to now eating table food in less than three months.  Oral aversions were my biggest concern for her, and she has laid those fears to rest.

She still gets very frustrated and spends plenty of hours screaming and crying, so life here is not very quiet or peaceful.  But when she gets a whim to be a happy baby, she is truly delightful.  She has a fun little giggle, makes faces and gets silly, and is a very pleasant person to be around.  I continue to hold out hope that she will eventually have more good days than bad.

We have not gotten her into the spina bifida clinic yet.  She has seen doctors, OTs and PTs, and has been evaluated at about a 12-15 month old level.  She will be 2 years old next month.  Her delays include her ability to communicate, so she is not talking at all with the exception of some mamamama and babababa type noises.  Mostly its just screaming.

Joshua is doing beautifully.  He is picking up several words, is learning how to play with the other children, and has shown himself to be a typically annoying little brother.  He frustrates the older ones, takes their toys and then screams when they want them back, and he already knows how to pull little stunts to get attention.  We are trying to curb some of the more unacceptable behaviors, but overall he is a pleasant happy little guy.

Thank you to everyone who has emailed and asked how we're doing.  Tired, but settling in.  That's about it at this point.

A glimpse into my new laundry mode

 

A day at the aquarium with Mindy and the kids.  Joshua loved the birds.

And believe it or not, my five are the quietest and best behaved kids in any waiting room!