Truth be told, it has been really hard this time around. The girls have been great, and have adjusted well! It isn't them. I have just been a bit overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of little ones and each of their differing needs. Now before you start slamming me because I should've known what I was getting into and I chose to adopt, I'm really not complaining or regretting anything. I am just stating fact. It would be wonderful if everything about adoption was easy peasy. But it isn't. There is so much good in adopting, and I believe all my children are amazing blessings! But I have a lot on my plate...5 little girls who require most of my time. Plus I try to make sure that the boys are participating in all of the activities they want to and getting their fair share of my time as well. I had been feeling pretty down, stressed, and overwhelmed for awhile. I barely have had time to do anything for myself, let alone sit down and blog. That's my excuse for not blogging anyway. :)
I didn't mean to go on about all that, and I am doing much better now. Actually, getting away for a few days at the beginning of May when I attended the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit 9 with my awesome friend Wendy, was a good break for me and rejuvenating.
But this was not what this blog post was supposed to be about. I wanted to try to get caught up a bit and share some pictures of the last year. So here goes...
Last year at this time, we had just gotten our tickets booked and were leaving in a few weeks. I cannot believe how fast this last year has gone by! We spent the 4th of July playing a little, but mostly packing and preparing for Daniel and I to leave for China on the 13th.
Daniel and I enjoyed the beauty of Hong Kong,
and then we finally arrived in China.
Hong Kong Airport
Ruby's Province
After the whirlwind of traveling through 3 provinces in China during the course of just 5 days (whew!) and having 2 awesome gotcha days, we finally had the girls and they were doing great!
And despite one big hiccup when we were trying to get home, we finally made it home safely!
August 1, 2012
Here's a few of my favorite pictures of the kids from the last 11 months:
All my love bugs together.
August 2012
October 2012
November 2012
December 2012
January 2013
February 2013
March 2013
Easter 2013
May 2013
Toria started walking!!!
June 2013
The most recent group picture of the girls. Have you noticed how much Emmee's hair has grown back? Look back through the pics again. :)
Oh don't forget the newest members of the family.
Lily and Daisy came in January. So sweet.
They've grown a bunch.
Are these girls a kick or what?! No matter how hard it has been the last few months, every single one of them is so very worth it.
I wouldn't trade 'em.
