4 weeks in

Suzi is already 4 weeks old. Actually, by this point she's almost 5. Life is flying by and she's fitting in pretty nicely. Of course there is less sleep and most days I'm spinning around from one need to the next, but I know this is a season and one day I won't be this busy with my kiddos. 

                     4 weeks old!

With the extreme heat that's covering the country we haven't been able to get outside like I'd hoped we would, but we are coping. The kids get bored and harass each other most days, but school starts in 2 weeks and I know Hannah (and I) will miss Eli when he's not here everyday. 

            

This week and next we are starting the cochlear implant process. Hannah and Keith went to Cincinnati for speech and aural evaluations on Wednesday and Thursday she had an MRI in Louisville. Next week we'll go back to Cincinnati and meet the surgeon and get his take on Hannah. From there we will know how to proceed. 

I'm hopeful that she needs CI's so that her speech and hearing will improve. Even though I'm not excited about the surgery and recovery, It should greatly improve her communication. At this point we still don't know exactly what she can hear and her speech is limited. Also, when we try to discipline her we wonder if she can't understand us or if she's just 2 and not listening because she doesn't want to. So many things to figure out with a girl like Hannah. ☺️

Keith was able to take off a few days this week to help with Hannah's appointments so we also threw in a little fun and headed to the Newport aquarium. It was so much fun. We saw sharks, walked under and above them and even found Dory-haha! (Eli was most excited about her). It was a fun-filled day and I think everyone had a good time. 

                         Dory!!!

                Can you find Suzi?

So, life as a family of 5 is constant and definitely busier, but I wouldn't change it. 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Suzanne Faith

Baby Suzi arrived at 2:56pm, June 27, 2016. 

At 7 lbs 1oz she's my biggest baby and has already filled our house with lots of joy. 

We named her Suzanne after her two grandmother's middle names. My mom's name is Sue and Keith's mom is Anne. 

So far she's taken her place in the family like a champ. Having to deal with two older siblings wanting all the attention and sharing a room with Mom & Dad. 

Not only was she the largest (😉), she's also my only child who didn't come on her own. So, I was induced which was better than expected, but still very long and drawn out. 

The day following her delivery I was able to spend most of the day with only her which was a treat. 

The kids came by in the morning to meet her. 

                 Proud big brother!

And then Daddy took them to the zoo so I could rest and he could spend time with them. 

We are slowly adjusting to our new life of 5. I say slowly because I'm still recovering, Keith's been off and my mom is here. Reality hasn't really set in. 

Here are a few more pictures of the big sibs initating Suzi into the family. 

Hannah is completely uninterested 😊

Some treasures from this week:

*Keith and I spending Monday together. (Even though it was awaiting labor & labor) we don't get many days together just the 2 of us anymore. 

*How excited Eli is being a big brother. He's doing such a good job playing with her and distracting her when she cries. 

*How big Hannah looks now that we have a newborn again. I feel like she's doubled in size over the last week!

*sweet, newborn snuggles. I know Suzi's only 5 days old but she really is sweet. 

*How much the Lord has been with us this week. From calming my fears, to Suzi checking out medically and even having time to nap a little this week. The Lord has been so good to us!

We know the transition is just beginning but we are overjoyed with Suzi and thankful the Lord decided to place her in our family.