Learning to communicate

Joshua has been inching forward in communication over the past weeks. I have debated teaching him some signs; I know that is all the rage these days. I decided that it might be nice for him to learn a few important signs so that he wouldn't have to make the oh-so-lovely whining sound to get my attention. I also think it would be nice for him to get started with good manners. Joshua learned "more" after spending a few days with cousin Lily. In the past couple of days, he has started to make a face that indicates "please." I am not really sure where he came up with this face... maybe from our checking his mouth to see if he swallowed before giving him more. And his approximation of "thank-you" is putting his hand to his jaw-bone and sounding the sing-songy tones I say as I repeat "Thank you!"

Differences

Well, it has been two and a half weeks since I got back, and I have been struck by several differences, some preferable, and some not so preferable. The first thing I knew I would miss was the smell of the kids' laundry detergent. It is a petty thing, I know, but I really liked the stuff we used in Lebanon! I have, however LOVED getting our kids in and out of the minivan we are currently using. I never thought I would choose to drive a minivan, but it is by far the most practical and easy-to-use vehicle when there are two carseats involved! As we settle in to our temporary Waco location, I cringe at the thought of cleaning. It was really easy to get things super clean in our concrete and tile apartment in Leb, and I don't think it will EVER feel that clean here! However, I could do 8 loads of laundry a day if I tried, so it all evens out. This morning, I walked out of the house with the kids in their jackets, and then we actually took the jackets off when we got inside the church... thank you, central heating!

Home again, home again, jiggety jig!

Well, according to my computer screen, it has been four weeks since I last posted anything. I could write pages about all that has happened in those four weeks, but I will refrain and just say that we are home. The kids and I have been in the States for two weeks, and David has been here for one week. This process has been tiring, we are making it. Thanks for all of the prayers, and I will try to get back to blogging more frequently... although there isn't as much motivation since you will all get to see Joshua and Ellie MUCH more frequently now!