Baby Steps

The boys are into the full swing of school.  Ben LOVES 2nd grade (because it is the best grade says this former 2nd grade teacher), and Sam was so ready for Kindergarten.  They are both playing soccer as well, so our lazy days of summer are definitely over!

First day of school cuteness:

A couple weeks after they started, it was Miss Allie's turn.  We were SO apprehensive about how she would do.  She is riding the bus to preschool this year, going in the afternoons, so no more nap 4 days a week.  She has so many fears of being left behind and is so overly sensitive to change.  I really wasn't sure if she's get on that bus!  But she did AWESOME.  Got right on and big smiles from her seat next to Sam.  

I think school is going well for her.  Life at home has been difficult, though, as she's adjusting to not napping.  She is more than a teensy bit crabby.  I'll just leave it at that, but it's not pretty.  Hopefully she'll adjust over the next few weeks.  It's so wonderful for me to have 4 afternoons to myself (for the first time since having kids!).  It's perfect timing, I use the time they are all gone to work on all things Maggie.

Big girl!

Our adoption paperwork is going through the necessary steps to bring Maggie home.  Last week we were approved by US Immigration,which is a big deal!!  Now there are a couple more steps on the China side before we receive permission to travel.  We're still hoping for November.   We're in the middle of a paperwork snaffoo right now, so prayers and fingers crossed.

In the meantime, we're busy preparing for our little lady.  We're pulling out baby clothes and gear, putting up her crib, and working on the enormous prep work that has to happen for us to leave the country for 2-3 weeks.  

First we just had stacks and piles in Allie's room (soon to be the GIRL's ROOM):

But then... the crib is up!  We had great help.

Somehow we managed to squeeze 1 crib, 1 "big girl bed" (crib with the front off), 2 dressers (one went in the closet), 1 rocker and clothes/toys/gear for both little ladies in one small-ish room.  

All baby steps, but we're getting there!

Maggie, we're ready for you girl!!!