2 weeks Home.

We are almost two weeks home, and I am not sure how we ever lived without our sons. Dominic and Malachi laugh most of the day. They are curious about everything. How about opening all the drawers and cabinets in the house? Now I want to run about the stairs and see if I can get down. Yes, I have one sucker, but I'd like 12? I am doubling up on food, because they will have seconds and thirds on anything pasta related.

Dan is at work, and we have set into a minor routine. About 6 weeks in, I will have school in the mornings to review words, colors, shapes, etc. For now, we are playing and learning about one another. I hear, "Mommy," all day long, and I cannot tell you how amazing that sound is to my ears. A woman laughed at My Gym today saying, "I thought I heard that word a lot but you have it covered." Yes, all four of our sweets like Mommy to watch everything they do.

I am tired. I never really had time to sit before the arrival of our twins, but now my legs are begging for mercy. Right now, Cealy, Sebastian, Malachi, and Dominic are sleeping. They usually rest for an hour and then are ready to rumble until 8:30pm. They play hard. They play games, and I am most thankful for Summer, because we spend all day outside.

With my first classroom in Chicago, I wanted the kids to have fun. I wanted them to LOVE coming to school. I bought bean bag chairs and couches. I bought big pillows for the ground and made forts. After week one, when I cried everyday after class, my principle directed me to take it away and use it when they deserve it. Life was so much easier. My kids felt safer, because my rules were put into place so that you treated others with respect in order to have fun. It is a lot like our home lives. I want Dominic and Malachi to feel safe and loved. We started rules and structure right away. Everyone is treated the same around here. Sure, Cealy has more freedoms, because she helps me out more, but respect is mandated. We have a "think about it chair," that is used frequently. I even have to visit it, when I need a minute.  We are doing really well. Dominic and Malachi love to cuddle and ask for hugs and kisses every hour. Ummmm, of course I will! Thank you Jesus. I am bring stretched, and I am learning. Isn't that what life is suppose to be about? For now I am off to lay down.

Oh my heart. I love them.

Cealy: "I wasn't sleeping Mom, I was just chillin." Gotcha.

Pop rented a pontoon for the day. Our kids had the time of their lives. He took us to lunch and let everyone drive the boat at least twice. We are so blessed with him and Nana in our lives.

They are home!

Yes, you heard it right. Dominic and Malachi are home. We are so thankful to everyone who played a part in their homecoming, especially the ones who signed their exit letters.

This is what we looked like for 3 hours waiting for their beautiful faces to come into view.

They were escorted by the most amazing staff. We decided not to travel knowing we will be back very soon for our Rosalie. When I saw their sweet faces in their Congolese clothing, I nearly fainted. I could not believe how much I needed them. They were overwhelmed. Once home they smiled and laughed until it was time for bed. They may have gone down the slide 100 times. Dominic giggled on the swing. Malachi became instantly attached to Cecilia, asking where she was anytime she walked away."Say Seal ya?"

We are so happy. We laugh, run around, eat, run errands, eat, play a game, eat, play tag, eat, play cars, eat, and then start our day again. They are sleeping very well. All our kiddos are in the same room. That is the way our Cecilia wanted it. She wanted to sleep with her brothers. I slept with them the first night and then put a video monitor in there to keep an eye on my little boys.

Many times, I wondered how I was going to get through the heartache of them not being home. I wanted to give up. I didn't want to think about it anymore. Then I would take a deep breath, ask God for help, and try again. There was also so many amazing people God put into my life to keep me faithful and encouraged. You know who you are. A simple message one day would completely change my outlook. Thank you.

An hour after meeting for the first time. I was up front and Dan said, "Amanda look back." Oh my heart. Are you serious? That is Jesus right there in the middle.

They are doing wonderfully. We spent a week with them in Congo, which was amazing and so worth it. We were able to see how amazing, resilient, and loving their culture (now ours) is, and how important it is to celebrate the DRC. They eat everything. Their favorite is hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. They L.O.V.E. ketchup. They will lick their plates clean with some ketchup. We gave them a popsicle yesterday and Malachi was pretty perplexed. Cealy tried to show him the way to eat it, but something that cold made absolutely no sense to him. I love it!! They also love syrup. I gave them pancakes with syrup on a different plate, thinking they would not like the taste. Um no, they licked those plates too. They love to give hugs and kisses. And anytime Dan says Usuba (pee) or Usumba (poop) they laugh hysterically. Typical boys. My heart is so full.

Dominic and Malachi are overwhelmed, but I had to show you their Congolese clothing. I must get Sebastian one and Cealy a dress.