FAIL!

Yep, that's me.   I have said several times I need to update the blog...but it never seems to happen.  But today, S is working, D, P & T are upstairs playing, Baby E is sleeping and HM is babbling away next to me, so now seems better time than any other.  HM's speech has imploded, I am constantly amazed at the progress he has made.  More people can understand him and he is using several work phrases.  I haven't talked too much on here about some of the issues with HM's behavior, but there have been concerns.  I am happy to say we are making progress in that as well.  We have started some specialized "therapy" and we are seeing improvements everyday.  HM and D are starting to play together more and more and it is so great to see their relationship grow.  We celebrated HM's 1 year home with a trip to our favorite Korean restaurant with some of our family.  And then a month later we celebrated his 3rd birthday.  There has been a lot of changes in HM's short life and we are truly grateful for his willingness and ability to enjoy the ride!  HM loves baby E and has quickly learned to make her smile and bring her a pacifier or blanket when she needs one.  I feel we are complete right now as a huge family of 7, I couldn't be more thankful for all of my amazing blessings.
About the rest of the brood. S is working a ton, he is teaching a class at the local university which he is loving.  He is also working some overtime on Saturdays (like today).  We had a wonderful summer/maternity leave hanging out together and with some friends on our street.  I think I was probably the saddest that it had to end.   T is in 3rd grade and P in 1st.  Homework is no joke in 3rd grade, that is all I can say.  Trying to juggle daycare for 3 little ones proved too stressful so we now have a nanny which is awesome!  She is ahhhmazing (read: does laundry!)  HM still attends preschool 2 days a week.  That was the only bad part of moving to a nanny, I really did not want HM to have to adjust to anymore change.  The compromise was part time and it seems to be working well,  He loves our nanny, C, as do the other kids.  HM is also getting speech services through the school one morning a week.  He is a busy little guy!  Baby E is settling in so well.  She is such an easy going girl which definitely makes things easier.  We assume she just knew there were 4 kids before her so she better be patient!  T is playing soccer this fall too and I am proud to watch her get braver and braver about being an aggressive competitor.
I hope that I will be better about posting, although there may not really be anyone who cares.  I hope one day my kids will enjoy looking back and seeing our journey.

Now the photo dump!!  Which is really what everyone wants to see (ie the family)!