7 Months and Going Strong

They Have Our Hearts

Our little gems

They love to wear their Chinese silks (seriously, 

they ask to where them to school and the park).

7 Months Strong
Stella loves coloring.  Loves. This girl could color all day long and never tires.  She loves pink and Hello Kitty.  She has been excited to start soccer simply because she has a pink soccer ball.  Trips to the library are a must.  Wearing a skirt or something sparkly are also requirements for happiness.  She has taken an interest in chalk and the tricycle.  Stella asks to play outside often.    She loves to help, even her teachers mention her independence.  Did I mention that she loves to talk?  Like, all the time.  She sings her ABC's in the car.  She loves to pray at nap time and bedtime, often giving Jesus intricate details of her day and activities.  She's a wee bit sassy too!  Happy 7 months home, Stella!

Doing what she loves - coloring

This Weather
We cannot get enough of it!  Spring in March is something we're taking full advantage of.  Also, it's been perfect for honing our soccer skills.  Ok, so it's a bit of an introduction past "I'll kick to Samuel" and "I'll kick it to everyone".  During their first practice, I caught myself laughing more than once.  Samuel seemed to move at a snail's pace, gradually picking up speed as the time went on.  He didn't mutter a single word to his coach of teammates, but he stopped to flash me a thumbs up.  Stella pulled a Charlie brown move when she tried to kick the ball and instead ended up lying on her back.  She picked odd times to rehydrate...like every 3 minutes during the 1 hour practice.  She really took off and got into it though.  There was no stop for picking flowers or kicking dirt as Joey did during his first season.  Perhaps watching big brother on the field has grown their interest and sparked some enthusiasm for actually playing!

Monkey boy climbing again

It's the perfect weather for coloring outside.

Starting off with a little soccer practice

He's taking note before he makes a move.

And the kick!

Waiting patiently for her turn

The Plans Changed

What would've been our first camping trip as a family of 5 turned into a day trip.  The rain thwarted our plans.  I mean, after all...who wants to be water logged for endless hours in a tent with 3 children and 2 dogs?  And did I mention that we "rough it" with no electronics (beyond the essential coffee making).  So add that detail to the possibility of the abundance of family time inside a small cloth enclosure.  Instead we spent the day with some dear friends at a state park about an hour from home.  Success!  We still got to experience the adventures of fishing, geocaching, and campfire cooking!  This picture below was also in clear view on the ride home, add in snoring!

The car ride didn't look too promising until we 

considered this a power nap! Recharge!

Stella trying to reel in the big one

Samuel contemplating life between tossing rocks 

and packing on a pound of mud to each shoe

What?  I haven't seen the last marshmallow!  

One of My Favorites
Three kids in one chair.  Did I mention that we also have a sofa and other seats available?  Seems strange that just over 2 years ago, these three were kind of strangers.  And now getting comfy in a single chair seems like a common occurrence. 

This happens often too.

Joey with his legs crossed in deep concentration and Samuel with 

his shirt off "like Hulk" enjoying a little Star Wars reading

The New Year is Flying By Quickly

Happy birthday, Sambo!
Samuel is Samuel and there's no other way to describe him. This guy has added some spice to our lives! When asked what he wanted for his birthday, his response was "weapons". Um, unexpected.  And so we had to figure out what "weapons" would be deemed appropriate for a 4 year old, yet still cool enough for this little guy. After all, this is the same little man who claims his cast is an "arm gun"!  Not surprising at all, Samuel requested a Scooby Doo cake.  After a quick search on Pinterest turned up the need for a year long preparation and an intense internship with the Cake Boss, I talked him into a bone shaped cake.  Simple enough!  He requested a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and cookies on top.  Soooooo, this was the most chocolate cake I've ever made!

The "weapons" were a hit!

Our family celebrated at Legoland.

Samuel. Loved. Karaoke.

Stella seemed to eat up the festivities!

Happy Chinese New Year! 

The Year of the Monkey...and we have plenty!

The arm gun has retired!

When people ask how Samuel chose green for his cast, I am quick to explain that it was not a hasty decision.  The color choices seemed to be endless...as was our wait as he struggled to make that decision.  He thinks about everything - really thinks.

Now, the removal...we were all curious.  Russ and I had never had a broken bone, so Samuel was a pioneer in this situation.  He sat quietly during the removal.  The X-rays were a bit of a challenge due to the stiffness of his arm.   As we left the office and the ladies reminded him that he still has limited activity, I suggested they hand out cinder blocks.  Seriously, that's the only way to slow a kid down!  On the ride home, he proceeded to peel his arm like a piece of fruit!  At least a pound of skin!   So much for soaking it and applying lotion.  I'm proud to announce that the period of "limited activity" is almost over and God has healed his arms completely.  Don't believe me?  Just ask to see his ninja moves!   

The Rest of Our Crazy Lives

Jedi Samuel

After he received this for Christmas, it has become 

"my jacket" that he requests to wear daily as a standard 

piece of clothing.  He has been known to go to 

Walmart like this.  What? You know it's cute!  

The Twins

I can still dress them matchy matchy, and so I will!

6 Months as a Webb!

She hasn't stopped smiling.   

Either she fits in well or she hasn't figured us out yet!

Thinking Back

Our first Christmas as a family of 5 (+ 2 furry kids)

The Newest Member of our Crew
Meet Matilda Snowflake.  Lucky for her, she'll never had to learn to write that huge name!  I jokingly refer to her as "my new Molly".  After such a heartbreak of losing Molly (to cancer and old age), Matilda has been a breath of fresh air...a bouncy, biting, needy breath of fresh air!  She's cute!  Also, she eats Christmas ornaments and chews crayons.

Gracie (right) came home just 2 months after Samuel.

Matilda (left) came home 4 months after Stella.

Off to School She Goes
Stella has been longing to attend school for months.  In fact, she has been upset on multiple occasions as we drop Samuel and Joey off.  Not surprising though since she recently moved from a place filled with children and a continuous playtime.  She is in a different class than Samuel, but they will see each other from time to time.  She wore her backpack for an hour before we even left for school.  Stella ran into her class and immediately started playing.  From her teacher's report, she had a great first day.  In fact, I had a great first day of her preschool too!  It'll be good for us both!

Welcome, 2016!

Much to my surprise, all 3 littles made it until midnight...and not a moment later!  We are anxious to see what the Lord continues to do in our family this year.  We've added 2 children and 2 dogs in the past 2 years.  Without adding any new members, surely there's much joy to be had in the next year!

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and stone may break my bones, and falling from a bunk bed ladder will do the trick too!  This little monkey should be as good as new in 5 short weeks. Now, to keep him from climbing and jumping everywhere while his arm heals...

Looking Back to Where We've Been

January marks 2 years home for Samuel and 5 months home for Stella.

January 13, 2014                       August 17, 2015 

Both of these pictures bring a feeling of sadness for very different reasons.   One little one ripped away from all things comfortable and secure, another little one gladly walked away with strangers for lack of bonding with a caregiver, starving for attention.  And now they're home and life is different!

The Webb Siblings

Change is good.  Change is hard.  All three littles have fallen into place as siblings and friends!  No more sadness, no more fears.  Now, just joy and love (and a few punches and squabbles to keep home life interesting)!

'Tis the Season

Thankful for our Family

All I Want for Christmas...

His teeth just keep falling out (or rather being pulled out by his daddy).  It really makes me laugh when I ask what he had for lunch and Joey's reply is "skin off an apple" because he simply lacks the necessary teeth to eat the rest of the apple!  Poor baby!

A recap of December

Joey has been amazed at our Elf on a Shelf (Buddy).  Thankfully he finds Buddy creative and sneaky.  And even though Buddy occasionally gets into our things, Joey is anxious to find his hiding spot each morning.  Joey has struggled a bit with his Christmas wish list this year.  Not that he can't figure out what to add, but rather trying to fit it all on one list.  We've talked about the real reason for Christmas and tried to focus on giving to others as God has blessed us in abundance.  He's been concerned with providing food to those who are lacking.  Joey's been exciting to help raise money for Angel Tree children at his school.  On the other hand, there's just something about electronics that draws Joey in.  Fully.  With intense force.  

Samuel had his first preschool performance.  Since he never talks in class, we were anxious to see what he would do on stage.  I'm not sure a single word was mumbled, but he stood up there so proud.  He even mustered up the nerve to give his Daddy a proud thumbs up!  He has been thrilled at the idea of being home for a few weeks now that school is over for 2015.  I just hope it's still exciting in 2016 as Stella will be in the class across the hall from Samuel!  He is talking nonstop at home, even in his sleep.  Samuel is very concerned "Stella, you be my friend?"  He enjoys playing house and reminds me often that "it's just pretend".  

Stella is in the throws of boundary testing.  She is comfortable and confident.  She is just one of the Webb kids now.  It's amazing to think that in only 4 months she has gained the comfort and security to test rules and push back on some authority.  She's learning that we're here to stay and she will forever be a Webb!  We're working hard to help her learn what is "normal" and acceptable behavior both at home and while away from home.  Stella is very smart and "gets it".  She will begin preschool in January, which will be a gentle way to help her learn age appropriate social skills and how to behave in a group setting.  Her reaction to the idea of school falters depending on the day.  Over all, she seems excited to go to school, especially since both Brothers go to school too.  I'm confident that she will enjoy the structure and gain confidence in learning!   

Treasure Hunting

Thanks to the beautiful fall weather...in December, we enjoyed a stroll around the neighborhood.  I was suddenly reminded that it's highly unlikely that Stella has ever had the pleasure of a casual walk around the block.  She probably had never stopped to inspect the acorns and notice their colors or stuffed her bag full of red, yellow, and orange leaves.   She and Samuel both seemed to really enjoy the slow pace of "treasure hunting".  As you can see, Samuel also took time to lay in the leaves and roll around.  They both walked away with 2 lunch bags full of leaves, acorns, and dirt!  Simple pleasures.

It's Christmas Time
We've talked about Christmas.  We've talked about Jesus' birthday (or "birthday party" as Stella calls it).  We've seen Christmas lights and decorated our tree.  We've mentioned Santa and his elves.  Our elf Buddy has helped us remember to show God's love.  We have to use him for something beneficial instead of just a method to stretch our level of creativity.  Sweet Stella is probably mind-boggled at the idea of putting a tree inside our house.  

Decorating her own tree in her room

Stella seemed to be in favor of visiting with Santa until we actually got to the mall.  He was tall.  And his beard was intimidating.  She wanted him nowhere near her.  We managed to talk her into a picture with the Brothers safely guarding her from that big bearded man!

 Once we walked away from Santa, she was all smiles again!

'Til the Season to celebrate Jesus and all 

that His birth/life means for us!

And the Party Continues

Party On
Due to our lack of energy and focus a month after flying across an ocean, Joey's birthday celebration was "extended" into October when we could celebrate with many of his friends.  The park is still fun.  And pizza is always welcome.  So, he was well pleased!

Theme: Minecraft (of course)  
Piñata request: Enderdragon (I am not a professional piñata artist)  
Piñata Reality: TNT (a cube)
Party Conclusion: Fun and Successful

"I Not a Big Boy!  I Samuel!"
I'll admit I had been dreading the potty training process with this little cutie.  While he's adorable and extremely brilliant, he is a little (read: a lot) stubborn and hard-headed too.  We skipped the candy rewards and stickers as those were of no real interest to him.  We started with the big guns...Scooby Doo!  We visited the local library and stocked up on their collection of Scooby shows.  This kid has amazed us!  That might be an understatement, actually.  There have been some bumps in the road, but it's been waaaaaay easier than I had played out in my mind.  

Day 1: 1st Success

His first pair of cowboys boots, which 

he wears every. single. day.

(He learned the hard way that socks are necessary.)

Taking Our Monkeys to the Zoo

Somehow, feeding the birds still makes it to the top of their to-do list!

Trick Or Treat
Treats, please!  The scary music, the flickering jack-o-lanterns, the moving skeletons...those are all tricks.  And the Webb kids are not interested, although we can say that Stella is highly motivated by candy and will suppress her fears for a little taste of sugar.  I can only imagine how confused she has been with Halloween.  The lack of communication has probably only heightened the confusion.  Our little princess did figure out trick-or-treating rather quickly.  I had hung up a Sunday dress in the laundry room.  And every day she asked if it was for her.  She loves the dress!  So, we threw on a tiara and made her a princess.  

Heading out to Trick-Or-Treat

And 3 months with Stella in our family...

We're learning more and more about this little lady.  She has still never faltered at the acceptance of her new life.  Stella longs to please and is desperate to be included.  Her past deficit for attention is evident.  The boys serve as her motivation to try to new activities.  Stella's coordination has improved in time, but she refuses to let that hold her back.  We recently purchased a trampoline for the kiddos.  It has served as both energy-burner and coordination improvement.  Stella loves pink, princesses, playing baby dolls (with Samuel as the Daddy), and playdoh!  And she's still all smiles!