Blessed...

Where to begin, where to begin...

Yesterday made it three months since our precious boys joined us!!  It's so hard to believe it's already been that much time, and yet so hard to believe there was a time when they weren't a part of our hearts already.

Hailey Bug is doing marvelously with her anxiety and OCD!  She's had great success with low doses of medication and breathing/relaxation techniques.  We've seen tons of improvement in her behaviour and demeanor at home and at school.  She's amazing!!  She recently even sang in her school talent show, which is not something I think she would have had the confidence to do months ago.  She was incredibly brave! 

Zach is getting ready to graduate kindergarten on Tuesday (sniff sniff).  It's hard to believe my guy is getting so big.  He seems like such a giant compared to the twins!!  He'll always be my lil' man though.  <3  He's doing awesome in school has been enjoying reading a lot more lately.  He read his first chapter book a few months ago, Frecklejuice, and he loved it! :) 

Eli had an evaluation with a speech therapist last month, and while he was behind, he wasn't behind enough to qualify for services.  We were a little bummed, but not for long!  Suddenly, in the last few weeks, his vocabulary has exploded!!  Just last week he learned to say:  jump, Hailey, Zach, Zaya (Isaiah), please, thank you and down.  Yay Eli!!!  This has made him much less frustrated, as he can get what he wants so much easier, and he's so very proud of himself. :)

Isaiah has been doing just awesome!!  He is tearing it up in his walker, cruising forward and backward all around the house!  He follows me everywhere!!  He started physical, occupational and DSI therapies in the past week.  It's very exciting to see him trying new things and pushing himself.  We have lots to work on with him at home now too.  I can't wait to see all he can do...he will amaze us all, more so than he already does!  He also saw his GI doctor a few weeks ago, and though he hasn't gained any weigh, he is doing very well.  The amount and concentration of his formula have been increased to hopefully pack on a few more pounds, and a barium swallow test has been scheduled to see where we're at with being able to spoon feed.  All in all, he's fabulous and OH so happy!

Foster mom and I have kept in touch with weekly emails and texts, sharing pictures, stories and advice.  We had a lovely playdate with her before Easter to exchange little gifts and visit.  I was scared about how it would go, but it couldn't have been smoother!  All the kids played so well together, and seemed to remember each other.  When it was time to go, the grown ups shed a few happy tears, but the babies didn't seem to understand the significance of the occasion.  We're working on planning another date soon. 

In some very exciting news.... we got a court date!!!!  Yahoo!!!  On Thursday, July 21st, at 9:30am, we will go before a judge and make our family official!!  Our baby boys will become Isaiah Andres Nichols and Elijah Mateo Nichols, just in time for their 2nd birthday only 4 days later.  It will be a rebirth in a way, to shed the old life and move forward with the new one.  They are such a blessing to us all.  Hailey and Zach take such pride in their little brothers and as parents, Josh and I could not be more proud to call all four of these little ones ours.  I don't know how we got so lucky, I really don't.  But God was faithful, and did what He said He'd do, and all I had to do was have faith and learn patience.  Both of these qualities are even more important now that my babies are here. 

I don't know what the future holds for Isaiah, as far as his mobility or his Independence or his cognitive development, but I do know that he is strong willed and eager to please.  He is highly determined to do everything that his twin brother does, and so I believe he will.  He is well loved by all that meet him.  His smile could penetrate even the darkest day.  He will do so much, and already has, to inspire people and bring joy to their lives.  I'm eager to see how it all plays out.

Josh and I are great, just trying to adjust to the chaos still.  We try to be creative and have "dates" here in our living room with popcorn, movies and snuggles.  We try to talk as much as possible and lean on each other for support and validation.  He is my best friend, I don't know who I would be without him.  He brings out all the good in me, and encourages it and nurtures it and believes in me.  Who could ask for more in a partner? 

Again I say, I don't know how I got so lucky...

Enough sentimental, time for some funny :)

At my grandma's funeral, during Communion:
Hailey:  Hey, why do they get a snack?
Me: SHH!!  It's not a snack, we'll talk about it in the car.
Hailey:  I totally just saw that guy chewing!  They are giving out snacks. *pouts*
Me:  *shrinks down in pew and heavily sighs*

Zach, on the way to my grandma's funeral:
Zach: I'm going to miss the gifts Grammy Boo used to send at Christmas and my birthday...
Me: ..um..you realize she's not the one that passed away, right?
Zach:  she's not??  well then who died??

Elijah, to every single person who accepted their diploma at my sister, Tara's, graduation and to me after speaking at my grandma's funeral:
Eli:  HIII!!!!!!!!!!  Yay!!!!!!! *ferociously applauds*

I love you!  Have a great week!

Love,
Trina

My Family, Easter weekend <3