How it is "Really" going

Many of you have emailed, sent text messages, instant messaged and

called me on the phone to ask me how it is "really" going here and

what am I "not" putting on the blog. So, that being said, I feel I

have always kept it "real" on my blog,

so I will tell you exactly how things are going.

Sophia is such a sweet girl. She tries to keep the peace, tends to be the one to give first and is always worried about everyone being safe. However, she will let it be known when she does not want to be bothered and when she is not willing to share. When she was 20 months old, Daniel came into her life. She has learned to be patient, to be concerned, to realize that she is "older" and with that comes a different set of expectations. She is very tender hearted and extremely artistic. She is handling Andrew very well. She is concerned for him and I believe she loves him. She has told me numerous times that she is so happy that "baby Andrew" is home with us and part of our family. She is also very proud to tell everyone that Andrew is from China, "just like me." She has her moments when it is overwhelming for her, but with two younger brothers,

who wouldn't be? She knows that she is loved and that we are a family.

She is blossoming even more now that Andrew is with us.

I can see it in her eyes. She is truly happy.

Daniel is having a hard time controlling his emotions, but he always has. He has been a challenge for me from the get go. Daniel is very sensitive little boy and he is still struggling to find that happy medium attitude. He explodes into a tantrum very easily right now as he is trying to protect his territory, his toys, his sister, his Emmie, his Ingrid, his Mommy and his Daddy. There is a new boy in town and I don't think he quite knows what to think about that yet. He has told me he loves baby Andrew and he has told me he doesn't "yike" baby "An-dwoo." I don't see anger in him, I just see frustration. I see a little boy that just turned 3 and now practically has a twin brother that walked in the door to him one evening at home. I see a little boy that is confused on why Andrew speaks differently and why he doesn't always answer when you speak to him. We are trying to stay calm so Daniel stays calm....working through the tantrums the best way we know how. Which is usually to let him get through it, remove him from the situation and to try and talk to him about it.

Do I think I need to rush my family in for attachment counseling......

No, I don't. I think we have a situation that needs

time, patience, nurturing and love.

Andrew is doing so well given the circumstances. I don't have much information about his life prior to him coming to us. I know that he was in foster care, but I am not sure for how long. I have been loving and yet firm with him. I feel that he is 3 1/2 years old and I am sure he did not get his way all the time and was told "no" and was told he had to take turns. I nipped the sleeping issues that could have started right away in China. I made it clear when it was time to go to bed, and tried to reassure him that I would be there. We have done really well in this area. He is going to bed a little happier now, especially since I read to him every night. He has just started to repeat words and he understands more than we realize. He has a great sense of humor and is "all boy." He can be rough at times, but I don't feel he is doing it in a mean way. I believe that Andrew could and had to take care of himself in that orphanage. He proved that to us by the way he did things while we were in China. However, I now help dress him and put his shoes on. He still does it too, but I want him to know that I love him and will help him with everything. We make his bed together and I carry him down the stairs when he is really just being too lazy

to do so. I want him to know that I will snuggle him right up whenever he needs my love.

I know that there could still be set backs, but I feel he is really happy.

I believe he feels our love and that he is happy being a part of our family and having Sophia, Daniel and Emmie is huge for him.

The current daily struggles are: They all fight about "who" is going to sit "where" in the Mama Machine. They all want to sit in the back. Well, there are only two car seats on the back bench seat and the other car seat is in the bucket seat. Yes......it is an all out "sprint" as soon as I open the door to leave. "UNREAL!"

The bar stools at the counter is an all out war as well. Sophia and Daniel have always had their "spot." Well, it doesn't take long for the "newbie" to realize that and want to stir the pot. Yes, it is an all out "climbing adventure" to see who is going to sit where. Again....someone is always pouting at the outcome. lol

Who is going to sit where on the couch is another.

Who is going to lead the parade down the road?

Who is going to swing in which swing?

Who is going to get Daddy's attention first?

They even have determined who has which big wheel. It didn't matter that I got them all the same. NOPE! Daniel ripped a little part of a sticker to claim his, Andrew keeps a toy cell phone and a pair of his sunglasses in his and Sophia keeps flowers in her front bucket. YEP......it's always something.

We even have sippy cups in 3 different colors and if I give the

boys the wrong one......

oh do they let me know!

As a family I think we are doing well. I have fully recovered from the jet lag. It took about 11 days. I feel like I am establishing a routine and have things planned for the summer to keep us busy. If I give myself the nightly rest I need, have a little bit of alone time during the week to run some errands or have lunch with a girlfriend, keep Saturday nights as date nights with the hubby and friends and try to stay close with Emmie through these teenage years and not forget she needs me too......I think we are going to make it! lol

So there you have it.....how it is "really"

going here with our family and all 3 "little" Things.

And if I should be so lucky to end up like this...... I will be the happiest woman in the world.