Sorry it has been a couple of days since posting. I think we are starting to get settled in. We've been gradually moving Gabe's feeding schedule forward so it works a little better for us. He is finally starting to smile a little bit again, so maybe he is getting used to being here. I still think he misses his "aunts" at Riley, so with that in mind I called last night. He was awake after midnight, so I was too, which wound up being a good time to call. He "talked" to Lori and Tabatha for a little bit. It was sweet to see his eyes widen and his head turn when he heard their voices on speaker phone. After spending so much time there, I was glad to hear their voices as well. Our spot, bed nine, has been filled just as we knew it would be. Justin and Kendrick are happy to be home, but miss Indy too, especially the people mover. Kaci's fiancee, big Justin (we'll call him BJ for now), made the mistake of asking Justin a question about the people mover and received a 15 minute illustration of the riding process - from start to finish. They were out at a restaurant and the dissertation started during dinner, and continued even as everyone was exiting and heading for their cars. BJ said he wouldn't make that mistake again. Somehow he managed to escape riding, we aren't sure how

Gabe's big brothers love helping take care of him. They fetch things and toss the dirty diapers for us. They come running when he cries and get all excited when his eyes are open. Justin watches everyone who comes near him, always checking to make sure their hands are washed. Kendrick loves to "rock" his bassinet (which he can barely fit into) with the gentleness of the iceburg hitting the titanic. He gets a little overzealous.

Today Josh and I took Kendrick to build-a-bear to get his own bear. Uncle Mic took Justin when Kendrick was a baby and poor Justin was having a hard time adjusting to life as a big brother. He adopted "Leo", a lion, to take care of. When we heard we were coming home, the first time, the boys went with the Wittmers to get a bear for Gabriel. The bear they chose, which they appropriately named "Miracle", is extra special since a portion of the purchase proceeds go to fund children with health problems. Justin stayed home with Grandma Carolyn to help look after Gabe. They also read another chapter of Alice in Wonderland, Justin's first chapter book. Grandma Carolyn bought it particularly for Justin and they have been reading a chapter every day, which Justin is really getting into. He has tons of questions, as you can imagine!

Being home hasn't been nearly as traumatic as it could have been, thanks to lots of help! Grandma Carolyn keeps things running smoothly and really allows us to do whatever we need to do. Grandma Maggie has been popping over with food, and some snuggle time with Gabe, ofcourse. Brooke, Gerald, Kaci and Big Justin have all taken turns spending time with Justin and Kendrick, getting them out of the house since we can't take Gabe anywhere with us. On Saturday, Arlene and Amanda Smith came by with a complete meal of Merckley's BBQ, potato salad, chips and buns. It was fantastic. We can't say enough, yet again, how much we appreciate everyone's help. We definitely have not been alone in this and we are so grateful. We love having our whole family together. At this moment Gabriel is in Josh's lap and Josh is making faces, trying to get a smile out of Gabe, who looks quite satisfied with himself (look at what I can get these people to do...I rule!). The boys are alternating between setting up a game, which I have promised to play with them, and running over to climb up in the chair with Josh and Gabe. This is what Sunday afternoons are all about, and it means so much more now, knowing how different things could have been. Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday as well.