Friday, March 03, 2006

Life these days

I decided to take a short break from sharing our travel story to share how things are going now. As you can see from the picture, the kids are playing together and really enjoying one another's company these days.

It was a hard transition for Anna. She seemed to be feeling some intense emotions for maybe the first four days we were back, which was extra devastating for us as we'd missed her so much while we were gone. It was hard having missed her so much and wanting to be close with her, yet having her so upset and seemingly unreachable.

But all of a sudden, things went back to normal. She loves playing with the boys, especially Ezra Yosef, as he is walking and she loves when he chases her around. I took the above picture yesterday while I was emptying the dishwasher, which is far more difficult with three little "helpers."

And the boys adore Anna. Ezra is always seeking Anna out to play with her and they do a lot of laughing. (Biniam seems to be having a tough time right now; I think he is grieving the loss of everything familiar to him, so he mostly spends a lot of time being held by me. Yosef went through a similar time right when we got here, but he seems back to normal now. I feel so bad for them! It is our biggest challenge right now.)

We feel blessed beyond measure these days. I have never been so busy, but my life has also never felt so full. We took the boys to church for the first time on Sunday, which was exciting because so many people have been praying for us and for the boys. Here is a picture of the kids in the car on the way:

I find myself falling more and more in love with these kids every day. I feel completely overwhelmed most of the time, and God is teaching me how much I need to rely on Him to do even the simplest things (like emptying the dishwasher, for example.) It's been a pretty humbling experience overall, realizing my own limitations and also having to accept help from people (making meals, cleaning, etc.) But it is SO worth it! It is also so rewarding, watching these boys accomplish little things here and there. Thankfully their health is improving; Isaiah Biniam has about conquered his two ear infections (thank goodness for antibiotics!), which I am SO happy about. I think he'd had them for quite some time, poor thing. We also completed their samples to be tested for parasites, and should hear back soon. Unfortunately both boys had lice, so we treated them for that and then Daddy gave them super short haircuts, which they did not particularly enjoy, but at least the lice are long gone:

So that is the latest. This weekend is low-key; tomorrow my parents are coming over and bringing lunch, and then Sunday is church and a BBQ that afternoon at another couple's house. We'll see how the kids do!

And that is all for now. Someone's diaper needs to be changed and I've been on here way too long. :) I'll try to post more about our trip at some point this weekend!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great entry into the blog and into your everyday life. The pictures are just too precious. Anna looks so big and the boys haircuts are super. Every day seems to be getting a little easier, not necessarily less busy. :) We are so anxious to meet these new grandsons. Give all three a hug from us.

Mom Heldt

Anonymous said...

The new haircuts are way cool (both figuratively and literally)! That's one thing they "inherited" from their Daddy Kevin. :)

Grandpa Heldt

Unknown said...

Thank you, Heldts, for your blog! I was having a very down day when I read your whole blog. I'm at work and I've had to fight my eyes from watering. I am so thankful that those sweet boys have a mommy and daddy that love the Lord and have hearts too full of love to keep to themselves.

I must say that this whole thing is quite inspiring. Jacquelyn and I have accidentally mentioned the "a" word to each other, and it looks like something that the Lord may have on our horizon. (We'd better get a bigger house, eh?)

Thanks again, and may God bless you guys. I know of two little boys (Zak and Eliot) who would love to have some new friends. Give Jacqui a call!

Phillip

Rachel said...

Wow, I'm impressed you emptied the dishwasher! I'm sorry to hear about the lice. After five years of teaching I am happy to have made it out lice free. If you are anything like me, you will be itching for months and checking in the mirror. Of course it will be all in your head, but that's better than having something ON your head!!!

Anonymous said...

I CANNOT WAIT to meet those little guys and cuddle with all three!!! Both of them are so dang cute and yes, I also like the "Daddy hair"! Anna is just as adorable as ever too! (not to leave her out :)) I hope Isaiah feels better and cheers up super soon! Love you 5!
Krys

Brianna Heldt said...

Phillip,
I am so glad you liked our blog! And great expression, the "a" word! It would be amazing someday if you decided to adopt. There are so many children around the world who need parents! Even though we are in wayyy over our heads God is so faithful to His promises. As I look back I can see that all He wanted was a willing heart, and He will do the rest. (Don't know why that's so hard for me to trust in half the time!)

On a side note you and Jacqueline are I think the only other youngish couple we know with 3 kids! Hope it's all going well!

Stacey said...

Hi Brianna,
I love reading your blog, and I hate admitting this, but I obssesively check it for updates. My heart overflows with joy as I read your words. I can't wait to meet your family and have a chance to talk with you in person. God Bless you all!

Anonymous said...

They are just absolutely adorable. I love the pic with you and the boys in your lap. Enjoy this time and always remember to take a little time for yourself everyday!
Megan

Brianna Heldt said...

Stacey I'm glad you like the blog! No shame in obsessive check-backs either! :) (There are certain sites I check all the time and I used to check my email like crazy when we were waiting for a referral!)

I will email you and we can figure out a time for you to come and meet these guys!!!
Brianna

Brianna Heldt said...

Megan it is good to hear from you! I agree the boys are pretty cute. :)

Time for myself...now there's an idea! :)

Hope you and your husband are doing well.
Brianna

 

Blog Template by YummyLolly.com