A LONG Overdue Update

Well, it has been nearly 4 months since we arrived home from Almaty with Nicholas & Emma.  And what a difference a few months make!  Emma has grown 2 inches, 2 shoe sizes, and gained 4 pounds.  She is a little clown, very independent, and easygoing.  She makes us laugh on a daily...make that hourly...basis.  Nicholas has grown physically too, but his transformation has been far beyond just physical.  It has been such a joy to watch him grow into the delightful little guy he is today.  He is picking up English like crazy and now understands most of what we say.  He has progressed leaps and bounds in his development, too.  He had surgery on July 27 to remove his adenoids and put tubes in his ears and is breathing and hearing (and I'm sure, feeling) much better now.  We are so in love with both of them.  I cannot even begin to imagine what has gone on in their minds...from the long, exhausting train ride to Almaty to meeting us again, to the long, exhausting plane trip home, and then living in a family with new foods, smells, sights....what an overwhelming process!  I think most adults would find it difficult to bear, and they have adjusted so quickly and beautifully.  Nathan is doing great, too, and truly enjoying the company of his little brother and sister.  We are so proud of them all!  I'll be adding more updates in the coming weeks to try to catch up, but really just wanted to share a few pictures with you all.  We cannot thank you enough for your prayers, support and love as we welcomed home our new children.  We love you!