1 Month Reflections

We are all still so new together.

One month has passed so slowly,
yet it's gone so quickly.

We've had our fair share of ups and downs.
We've laughed together,
cried together,
hugged one another,
and learned to love one another.

It feels like forever since I was in Ethiopia. I miss being there, I would go back in a heartbeat if I could take all my kids with me! Life there was simpler. Some laugh at me when I say that, taking note that I was without electricity for most of the week we were there, and only had freezing cold water. Yes, this is all true, but those things didn't bother me like they would have had it happened here. Life there isn't set up to run off of electricity and water. It's made to be spent visiting with others. The days seem slower, and more intentional somehow.

Silas and Blake, I think you're doing great! There are moments when I become frustrated because I can't get my point across, or because it takes so much more energy to parent you effectively right now. But those moments are fleeting and I live for the moments when you are cuddling on my lap, or opening your soft, broken hearts to me. I love hearing you learn English and watching you in awe over the lawn mower. I laugh when I am filling your cups with ice water and remember your faces the first time we gave you cold water to drink. We've made lots of memories together, in just a month. I can't wait for the rest of our lives.

Hunter and Graysen, I am so amazed by you two! I am exceptionally proud of the way you two have taken on two new siblings. The way you show unending patience with them every single day. I smile when I see you trying to include them in your games, when I see you sharing your toys, and when you want to make sure that your brothers will be joining us on our outings. You have proven to me that love can break through language, color, and upbringing barriers. You are an example to me that I try to follow every day. I love you both so very much and will always be proud to call you my son and daughter!

Things are still rough around the edges here in the Redburn home. I would venture the say the boys know between 50 and 70 words. They are beginning to put together small sentences. When they don't know the word they act it out and we are able to put the whole thought together. We are still working through small things that come with older child adoption, but they are all manageable! Our days for the most part are happy and eventful. I am no longer afraid to leave the house with all four children at once. (Although the new boys still haven't been to Walmart...can I make it known that I have kept them out of Walmart for MUCH longer than I ever did Hunter and Graysen when they were born...) The whining has settled down, I only say "no whining" about 10 times a day now rather than 50 - this is no exaggeration. They are becoming accustomed to our food and I might actually say they enjoy a few dishes.

I am still dealing with a bit of depression, but most days it's good and totally manageable! On my bad days I spend a lot of time with other people, it's always better to have another adult around then be by myself at the house. I have spent some time with some friends who are dealing with terrible situations in their lives and have been uplifted so very much by their positive attitude, encouragement, and scripture that they've shared with me. They have helped me to get things back in perspective and realize that

our God is a GOOD GOD and that He wants me to flourish.
He has GOOD THINGS planned for me and my family...
and as for my house, we will serve the Lord!