Leila Singing

Doesn't she have a lovely voice? She loves to sing and dance (some of these dances are not PG, so we are trying to figure out how to celebrate her Nigerien culture and focus on tasteful dancing). 

This sweet beautiful voice also makes us laugh a lot! Yesterday, as we were driving to and around Norfolk for an appointment with US immigration and to see some of Daddy's jobs down there, she was looking through one of his magazines for work. She said, "Momma, I need this pool." She proceeds to show me a picture of this beautiful pool. We laughed and said, no, we can go to the pool at the gym. She keeps looking and finds a slightly smaller one. "Momma, I need THIS pool." No, honey, you don't need it, and no, dear, we aren't getting it. Her face gets sad. We tried to explain about the cost and maintenance, which fell on deaf ears. Later last night, after filling the bathtub to the very top (she was trying to make her own pool, I guess), we spent a good 5 minutes trying to understand her question that sounded like this, "Hoo-it hoo-ad?" She was trying to say, "With what?" but it's very hard for her to pronounce w's. We all laughed a lot. And for the first time on her own, she said, "I love you, Momma. I love you, Daddy." So sweet. 

The First 2 Weeks

Well, it is so good to be home for many reasons. And this new daughter of ours, well, she's settling right in. This was supposed to be a post of her first week home....well, as you can see it's been 2+ weeks, so there's going to be a lot of pictures! Our days our full, and these past 2 weeks have been nothing like I had planned. Within Leila's first 24 hours she went to McDonald's (nothing else was open, so no judging!), Romp and Roll and Lowe's. She visited a movie theater for their dollar movie and experienced Chick-fil-a within the first week. And for the 4th of July, she spent 3 nights in a camper, rode on a power boat, went tubing and experienced her first fireworks with 4 of our favorite families. So much for slow and steady. Welcome to America my sweet child! The beautiful thing is that you have loved all of this and approached it with no visible fear. You love playing and being around other people, and we are watching you to make sure you're are at peace and comfortable. You wear your heart on your sleeve, so we know when you're not happy, which is so far only when you are scolded, have to do too much "school" or when you have to eat something you don't like.

You do not want to disappoint us, yet you have an unruly side, so we have to correct (you have this thing for climbing on tables). Sometimes you push - you are testing your boundaries, but we get to where we need to go. You are really such a sweet and fun girl. We love how you are opening up, laughing, joking and teasing. Your daddy and I talk about how it feels like you've been with us so much longer than a few weeks. What a blessing!

Mary-Michael and Frazier are transitioning and each day is better. MM has taken full ownership over your sisterhood and doesn't like to do anything without you (which is how you ended up at a Romp and Roll birthday party the day after we flew in!). Frazier is finding his place as the little brother, and we have to remind you who's in charge of him (those adults over the age of 15 living in the house).

And I am doing my own transitioning trying to figure out how to get 3 kids out of the house in the morning, bath time that doesn't involve nakedness for all to see, finding a moment to myself to have some Jesus time and me time since not everyone is napping now, food that appeals to everyone (Leila="I need rice"), when to introduce you to new things and new people, education for you, etc.

My latest revelation - Tending to your heart takes priority over teaching your mind. You will catch up academically, but not at the expense of building strong family bonds and ensuring your know and believe you are loved and worthy.

We are blessed and crazy, but still blessed.

Airport arrival. You were exhausted, so Daddy is tickling you to force out a smile.

Playtime at home.

You love to swing.

Checking out the sheep and goats.

Sweet sisters already. You had literally been in America 12 hours when this picture was taken.

A little African drumming.

Matching nightgowns for everyone (including the dolls). Thanks, Nonnie!

Reunion with Zalika, Leila's best friend from the orphanage. It has been 3 years since they've seen one another. They are the same age and Leika is literally half her size, but she will get there!

Baking!

Camping fun at Lake Anna.

Frazier in the Lake.

Mary-Michael in the Lake.

Leila in the Lake.

Tubing with Micah. So much fun!

A little hula hooping. This girl has some moves!

The Lawrence girls tubing.

All the kids (some happy and some, well, you get the picture).

Relaxing with Miss Hailey.

Our awesome kids.

Watching fireworks with Daddy. One of the best shows I've seen!

First day of Vacation Bible School with Addison joining us. All of you loved it and couldn't wait to return the next day. And you are still singing the songs!

Before your VBS Celebration night.

So blessed.