week one.

The moment he saw his long-awaited little sister for the first time.

Wow. What a week! My head is still spinning from being blown away by God’s faithfulness to our family.

The fact that Dr. Laure was able to bring our daughter home and help with the first few days of transition is just a blessing beyond what any words could describe. She helped Sylvie feel safe and know that this is her new home. She left yesterday morning and I was prepared for a major meltdown but it didn’t happen.

In fact, yesterday was a sweet, sweet day. I know we were being covered in prayer and I absolutely felt them. We experienced so many moments that were just beautiful and holy. Dancing together in the kitchen when the song “beautiful things” came on… eating cake together to celebrate the birthdays we spent apart… snuggled up with both of her brothers and her sister and daddy and I in Nate’s bed for bedtime stories…

I have so much to share from this past week but I only have a few brief moments while Sylvie and Charlotte are both napping and the boys are down at the pond fishing with Nana. So, I will just say this: life is busy.

It’s busier than I ever remember it. Busier than it was with newborn twins.

Yet, slowly, moment by moment, we are starting to find a rhythm and have little glimpses each day that we will make it through this season and find our new normal. Sylvie is adjusting so much better than I had anticipated. The boys are doing so well with all of the changes. Ben is so, so sweet and patient with her. Nathan is having a harder time – he is craving more of my attention and affection. At the end of the day, I am completely worn out from pouring into these four little ones all day. I want them all to feel loved and safe and secure. Yet, I know that I can entrust them all to Jesus. He will protect and shepherd their hearts. I do not need to do this alone. He is right here beside me.

We are being loved on so well by our community. We are well fed and errands are being taken care of. The blessing of a meal prepared and delivered each evening is beyond words. I have no time to even think about food preparation so this seemingly simple act of cooking for our family is just an immense gift right now.

I have so many memories and photos to share from our first week together. Everything is a first and things are new and exciting {and sometimes new and scary} for Sylvie. It’s been such a joy watching this new world unfold before her eyes.

One of my close friends who has walked this long road with us step by step was there at the airport last week taking photos. I had to share a few. What an incredible night this was. Surrounded by the very people who have been on their knees beside us praying our girl home. God was in that airport and everyone there witnessed His glory and His victory.

The boys were so excited and nervous. Everyone told me Nate was fidgeting with his hands the whole time he waited for us…

Dave and I met Laure and Sylvie at the gate and the rest of our family waited at the top of the escalators for us…

This was the moment they first spotted us!

Friends and loved ones welcoming her home!

The adoption community is such a beautifully, tight-knit, encouraging and loving community … friends that I’ve made during this journey have become some of my closest confidants. Only another adoptive momma can fully understand the heartaches and the joys. My dear friend, Suzanne, drove seven hours in a day to be here to welcome Sylvie home. I started bawling when I saw her. I still can’t believe she made the trip just to give me a hug on this long-awaited day. Incredible!

I have never noticed this sign hanging in the airport before. “No matter where you’re from… You’re home now.” Wow.

Crazy family of SIX!!!!!