Sorry it has been so long.

Well, it's been almost a month since we blogged. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.

Life with four is quite a bit busier than life with three. The fact that Alina is a mobile little girl who explores everything makes all the difference in the world. I think the politically correct way to describe our family is "active."

Alina is doing very well. She's adapted to many foods, although some still do nothing for her. No different than for Noah, Caleb, and Meg, though. Sometimes mood determines palate. Anyway, if you can eat it with a spoon (mac and cheese, oatmeal, cream of wheat, soup, etc.), Alina will eat more than you would think possible. If it requires eating with her hands, she doesn't do quite as well. I think it is a texture issue.

Alina is picking up language pretty quickly. She's trying to say some words and is getting better all the time. I would say she can say mama, papa, book, dog, and drink. She signs more, thank you, please, drink and eat. She understands lots.

Noah, Caleb and Meg have grown to love Alina. It took Meg a little bit longer, but at time they are best friends and really clown around together. Anne says they are like the two Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp. Remember the song "We are Siamese, if you please..."?

The family (kids) have been sick the last week. Something called herpengina (sp?). Nasty viral infection that causes blistering in the throat and high fevers. 4+ days per kids. Noah got it first and missed multiple days last week (he was a perfect attendance kid). Caleb missed last Friday and this Tuesday and Wednesday. Today (Wednesday) I have Meg, Alina, and Caleb home with me. They're getting better. Still, it's been a bit taxing.

Alina and Meg have their evaluations tomorrow (Thursday) to help set up the services they will receive in pre-school next year. It looks like everything is in line for them to attend pre-school at Elmwood Elementary rather than having to go to a neighboring district. Our principal has done a nice job lining up various agencies to make this happen. Kudos to Mr. Frost. We're glad we don't have to fight for this right.

So, here are bunches of pictures. I'll try to leave captions, but haven't ever had much luck with that.

Pakka!

These pictures are in reverse chronological order. Sorry.

We went to Wildlife Prairie Park last weekend. It was a beautiful day and all of the animals were out. The mountain lion was very cool.

Yes, that is the mama bear behind Noah and Caleb.

The girls giving each other a kiss.

Noah.

Caleb being Caleb.

The girls playing.

Bath time is an adventure. They sure love each other.

More girls playing.

Easter Sunday - Alina in her princess outfit.

The Easter bunny left tracks on Noah and Caleb. He jumped right on them!


Our family Easter picture before church Saturday night.

Caleb decided to wear his basket to the Easter egg hunt.

The Saturday before Easter we took the kids to Canton to feed the fish and ducks. One of our favorite family activities.

Anne and Meg enjoying a beautiful spring day.

Meg riding "shotgun" with Caleb in the Jeep.

Alina loves her Cozy Coupe. Unfortunately, so does Meg. There have been some battles.

Playing bubbles outside with mommy and Caleb.

Alina's first family wrestling match against daddy. The kids won.

Micki's welcome home cookie. It was very good.

Anne meeting Alina at O'Hare Airport.

Anne and I hadn't seen each other for two weeks. Glad to be home.

Alina's reaction to eating her first Dunkin Donuts "munchkin."

Look at the concentration on her face as she tastes a muchkin for the first time


Alina's first chicken nugget. She's sitting on Stephanie's lab (Meg's physical therapist).