Spring is here!

At last! Spring has decided to make an appearance and I don't think I have ever been so happy about the change of season in a very long time.

It has been a long winter, hunkered down with our family and helping Ailee settle into her new home. But, as the leaves are finally beginning to bud on the trees, as the birds now wake us up with their morning song, and as those pesky wasps once again make their nests in the pillars on our porch, our family is also experiencing an awakening of sorts.

We are finally starting to feel like life is 'normal' again. Our little monkey has settled in beautifully with our family and those initial months together, which are so tough, for so many reasons, are coming to an end. We will soon reach that magical six month mark of being home with Ailee and we are all beginning to relax and enjoy our time as a family of four.

I am definitely feeling the shift. I am not forgetting as many appointments, I am starting to return phone calls and emails, I am not feeling like I am just 'getting through' the day anymore, and I am generally feeling more relaxed.

Paul, however, is still dealing with quite a bit of stress when it comes to his parents' health and their living arrangements. Since we have been home, his mom spent months in the hospital and is now living in a retirement home, he is starting the process to sell their family home, and when it sells, his dad will move into a retirement home as well. Generally, he has taken over most responsibilities for his parents -- a big job. I am trying to alleviate his stress by taking over more at home and it seems to be helping.

We are loving the time together as a family and there is so much to update about our girls -- if only I could catch up on the zillion posts I want to get done! I will call that my 'Spring Resolution.' Check back for a catch-up on the past four months. :)