Family Therapy

Where have we been? Why so quiet?

We have the rare, luxurious gift of getting to shrink our world a bit, to concern ourselves only with the state of our soul and the health and happiness of our children. We are getting to know each other better. We've all cried (some louder and at more abnoxious hours of the night), we've laughed often, we've danced (Solomon has some sweet moves) and celeberate when weather gives opportunity to break into the out of doors.

From this new vantage point of full-time parents, we have the opportunity to get to know our fascinating and challenging daughter who has a spark, a strength, an affectionate nature that has captured our hearts. She survived early life despite the odds and is growing now in leaps and bounds before our eyes, laughing at her brother, scheming for our attention, loving touch and cuddling more even than the food that sustains her. We’ve watched our son struggling with a new environment, a new routine, a new face in the family. He seems to have grown so much in the last months. He amazes us with his resilience, his comical antics, his daredevil approach to the playground, his tenderness. Both can leave us exhausted when we can't seem to figure out the source of their whining or tears. Both spur giggles amidst even the deepest exhaustion. Both challenge us to step up to our job as parents depsite how we feel or how much sleep we've logged. Both pull our heart in their own unique way. We are learning to communicate with each other, learning to navigate this new existence as a family. Our children depend on us to keep them safe, fed and warm. We depend on them to hold us when we feel shakey, to remind us of purpose, of love, of forgiveness, of the healing power of touch.

So a few pictures to share. I'm sure you'll understand why sitting in front of the computer takes a back seat to sitting in front of these beautiful faces.

Healing for us has taken form of settling into the moment, letting go of things we can't control, taking advantage of the rare opportunities afforded to us. Here are some pictures of our days.

There are a wealth of "silver lining" moments that have risen out of tragedy. One is the opportunity afforded for our children to meet our family and friends in the States. My children have met their grandparents, their uncles and aunts, their cousins

.

PopPop and Solomon scream for snow!
Uncle Chris meets his niece!

They've been to the farm, played in snow, ridden tractors, played in parks.

Solomon's First Snowman
Valancia sitting pretty in winter wear
Solomon's introduction to slides. He is now a HUGE fan.
Navigating the jungle gym with Daddy
"Come on Cici! Its so fun!!"
High Flyers

We've celebrated the simple moments being home can offer: a yard to play in, instruments to play, our nephew's toy box to rifle through, rec centers to retreat to.

Budding musicians
Indoor pools--a change from the beach, but still fun!
Solomon waiting for me to put the camera down and throw the ball already.
Driving Miss Cici

We've watched our children heal with good, abundant food.

"I love snacks... snacky-snack-snacks.
Big Fan of Girl Scout Cookies and maybe saving some shrapnel for later.
"Seconds please!"

Our children patiently take in their new surroundings, the new faces that fill their days. Their dark eyes can turn so thoughtful. I love to swim in the depths of their contemplation.

Our children remind us to smile, they tickle us to laugh out loud. Every day we fall head-over-heals in love with them all over again.

Because of them, we are better, stronger, happier and reminded of how incredibly lucky we are. Because of them, our tomorrows are full of possibility and purpose.

Light at the end of the tunnel