It has been one month!

Hannah has been with us for one whole month! One month ago in Seoul, Korea she was given to us by her dear foster family who all came to see her off. With smiles and tears we excitedly welcomed this adorable little girl into our lives! It is so hard to believe that it has already been a whole month but at the same time it's hard to imagine life with out her already!

Today we actually had our first post placement visit with our social worker. We will have three total before we are able to finalize Hannah's adoption and citizenship. It was wonderful to be able to share how well things have been going and how much we are enjoying her! As you can see from the pictures here she is so full of joy and has such a precious smile! Our social worker told us that he was very impressed with how well she seems to be adjusting and that he could tell by looking at her that she is very happy!

Her sleeping is definitely improving which has been our biggest obstacle. She is sleeping from about 8:30pm till 5:30am waking 2-4 times for comfort and then a bottle at 5:30/6:00. We have taken one side of her crib off and put it next to our bed (strapped to our bed for safety), this has been working very well as she is learning to sleep in her crib but is still close for comfort sake! although at night recently she seems to be really fighting something as she thrashes around as she is drifting off to sleep. She loves the kids especially when they make funny faces at her. Josiah loves to call her name in a very sweet (but often loud) sing songy voice to draw her attention. Gabriel is trying to convince us that he is big enough to carry her around (at almost 20 lbs. we don't think it's a great idea). Marie Elizabeth loves to try to share all her food with her and often tells us "it's ok Mama, she not choke". Yikes - we keep a close eye on her, it's great she wants to share though!
This picture is Hannah's first bath in the sink. The other kids thought it was hilarious to give her a bath in the sink. I'll tell you, having that great big (deep)sink is awesome for baths - as long as it is clear of dishes (which is rare)! She loves the bath , especially spalshing and sucking on the bath toys and the washcloth! She is not quite as sure of the shower though - she gives her very serious concerned stare at all that water coming down.


We ventured out one August afternoon to the Minneota State Fair along with Grandma Bev and Papa Jack - Hannah was quite the trooper. You can see her here getting a ride on daddy's back - what a great place to be! All the kids had a great time! Josiah was amazed at all the "treats" (junk food) we let him have. They enjoyed riding on some rides, seeing a comedian juggler show, and going through the Butterfly house where butterfly's landed right on their arms, backs, and heads. Grandpa Jack even had a couple land on his beard. Speaking of beards - Hannah is not quite sure what to think of all that facial hair that Grandpa has. She stares at it so intently and very hesitantly will reach out and touch it. However, when Grandpa rubbed it on her cheek she didn't think it was very funny! It was a great day had by all!

Here are our four little blessings! It is still so amazing to me all that the Lord has blessed us with! We just passed our 8th wedding anniversary on September 4th (while Jon was sick in bed with the flu - nothing like in sickness and in health right!), and it has been eight years filled to the brim with life!!! There are many moments in my day where I sit back and am in awe of all that the Lord has given to me and to us - I wouldn't change a single moment - I treasure them all! There are days when having a house full of screaming maniacs may wear us down but the hugs, laughter, moments of wonder and moments of raw love will always make the struggle so worth it!