Kenson and Jes are fabulous swimmers. Kenson loved swimming in the pool from the beginning. It now takes him quite a while before he gets so cold that he has to set out wrapped up in a towel to warm up. He never even tried holding his nose when he went under the water. He loves to jump into the pool and loves to wear his blue goggles.
It took Jes a while to warm up to the idea of swimming. She would just sit in her regular clothes and just watch. Now, she is like a pro. She loved to jump off the ladder and let Bella rescue her. She makes me a little nervous, though. Several times Bella was not really watching and there is Jes going under several times before Bella snatched her up. Amazingly, once her head came out of the water, she had a huge dimply smile on her face.

Doctor visit

We got our results back from the kids poo tests and Wilkenson has giardia but Jesula does not. I was a bit concerned about Jes's extended tummy and a few other things so I took her into the doctor for a quick look. She checked out just fine and, over time, her little belly will go down with proper nutrition. They will start an antibiotic tomorrow and after 7 days, they should be parasite free.


On Thursday's, I take Noah and Bella to piano and art and get a little one-on-one time. Will gets to stay home with the three little ones. This week, he took them to the park for the first time. As you can see, they had a pretty good time.

Some more pics

My sister's birthday bash at our house ~
Aunt Tina and all the cousins

Our five beautiful children

Torture time!!! (code for tickle time)

Playing with play dough

A sweet kiss

So far so good

The kids are doing amazingly well. I know it is all to God's glory. There is no way we could do this in our own strength.
The kids are not speaking very much English but they do understand a lot. They still speak to us in creole like we understand what they are saying. It is kind of cute to hear them say, "Mamma" and then follow with several sentences about what they are doing or thinking. Unfortunately, I don't always understand but thankfully, they are OK with that.
They have already experienced quite a bit of activity yet none has been too much for them. They only time it was too overwhelming was when we packed three different activities into one day. Wrong move. We learned our lesson.
They have been to the lake and on a small boat ride, celebrated my sister's birthday with all the family, lots and lots of swimming, been out to eat twice, bike rides and walks around the block, church and today was a movie at the Omni Theatre. They have been real troopers!
Needless to say, we are still adjusting and trying to become a family. I will be glad when the newness wears off and we just mesh. We are still learning and following God's lead.

Life full of firsts

Wilkenson's first time to talk on the phone. He was talking up a storm in creole to his Daddy.

First hotel room


First tricyle rides

Our first week

I wish I did not feel this way but with the emotions and mindfilled chaos I was experiencing, I am glad to say that the first week is behind us. I am starting to feel like myself again ~ Thank you Jesus. I have realized just how uncapable I am of doing anything on my own. All of my strength comes from the Lord.
I will try and post pics tomorrow but for now, Wilk and Jes are doing very well. They seem to be adjusting smoothly with just a few snags that are to be expected. We have no real issues right now. Along with pics, I will post some special and crazy moments too. Sorry for the lack of any real info. Until tomorrow . . .

We are home and adjusting

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and prayers. The last week has been a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. We have been super blessed with meals, paper goods and other wonderful things, and help by family during the days.
Quickly I will say, because I don't have a lot of time, the kids seem to be doing fairly well right now. Bedtime and eating are a challenge. They both cry at bedtime and although Jesula eats fairly well, Wilkenson is picky. They want snacks a lot! Disciplining is a little bit of a challenge due to the language barrier but I know they will pick up quickly.
My other children are doing great. Noah is a born teacher so he automatically wants to teach them. If you could have only seen his eyes in the car while riding next to Wilkenson. He just kept staring at him. Oh how I would have loved to have gotten into his mind to see what he was thinking. Bella takes very good care of Jesula. Bella, unfortunately, was very sick when we got home so that mixed with some emotion, she had a little bit of a difficult time but is doing much better now. Asher, on the other hand, being the baby, is having some jealousy issues. I am trying to hold and love on him as much as I can.
Will is amazing and I don't know what I would do without him. He is incredible. I am so thankful to have him home for the summer.
I am doing OK but having a hard time grieving what our family will never be again. It is just like post partum depression which has astounded me but thankfully not uncommon. I just realize more and more that I cannot do anything alone. I must have the Lord.