A week (and a few days) home.....

I would really like to have some time to reflect on our trip to China, and write a post about it all, but time is SO short these days. Days are filled with raising 5 kids and homeschooling, and we are not even into a sports season yet. During Grace's nap I scurry to get some housework done, and then we head outside when we can. Evenings are family time, and a few short minutes with my sweet husband, and then I crash by 9:30 or so. I'm still really tired, thankfully everyone is sleeping well. Grace continues to thrive. She has charmed us all with her funny, cute ways. We love her dearly. The boys have surprised me with their genuine love and concern for her. There has been some jealousy, but it coincides with a deep affection for their little sister. She has figured out some English words, but is a master at making up signs to let us know everything from, eat, to chap stick, from outside, to potty. She makes her needs known! She's also grown physically stronger since we met her. She couldn't climb the steps at first, but now makes multiple trips up them a day. (A baby gate is on our list!) She's truly a different child than the scared little girl we adopted at the registration office in China just three weeks ago. Figuring out a routine has been tough, but we've plugged away at school since we arrived home. My back is better since Grace is feeling more free in the house to run around and explore. She still refuses to be on the ground outside. The biggest challenge right now is new people and new situations. She doesn't like either. The good news is it doesn't take her long to warm up to people here at the house. Crowds aren't her favorite thing either. We are going to try church this weekend and see how it goes. We also have a trip to our family doctor planned for tomorrow.