So much to report!

We're getting more settled in our new home with each passing day. And we're about to embark on two awesome milestones next week!

The twins start kindergarten and Ella of the Nores (Sam's favorite nickname for her) turns 1! And of course Hayes starts 2nd grade at his new school (his 4th since Kindergarten; something's wrong with us) as well!

But first things first. Sweet, sweet Eleanor leaves us in amazement every single day. How is it possible to love a baby so much? She's unbelievably perfect and we both feel insanely blessed of the circumstances that led us to be able to appreciate one tiny being so much. She's quite possibly the happiest baby I've ever met and she's actually quite funny. She knows it too which makes it that much cuter.

Here's an example of our entertainment:


And another:


It's hard for me to believe she's almost a year. My how time flies. But at the same time, when I think about how much has taken place over this past year, it seems like she was born a decade ago. I'm so very appreciative of her keeping us grounded on what's important through that trying time. There's nothing like watching a child, who sees everything in life as something full of wonder and amazement, to keep you grounded in the present. Those kids ... they hold the secret to life's joy. If only we could stay in that mindset!

Quite possibly the best part of having Eleanor has been watching the kids with her. They absolutely ADORE her. Hayes will often tend to her in her crib if he hears her wake up -- either bringing her into the gameroom (and closing all doors, locking the gate, and putting away small toys she shouldn't have access to) or bringing her to us. They feed her, help bathe her, walk her around in her stroller, and truly take joy in how cute and funny she is. She loves them too. So much, in fact, that it was only recently she started offering kisses (of the open-mouth variety which is one of the cutest things about babies) to Jason and I. Before that, they were reserved for her very much adored brothers and sister. (On that note, she only just started saying "Dada" this week too. It was "Mama mama" on repeat for months.)

The older three are adjusting extremely well to life here in Katy. They've made friends in the neighborhood and it's cute to see them developing these relationships outside of their threesome. I'm anxious for them to start school for a variety of reasons, though I'm a little sad too. Jason and I were just talking about how them starting school is really the start of our "life" here. We'll have playdates and sleepovers and meetings and a sense of community involvement. Whereas now we just sort of sleep in Katy.

I got to speak with the twins' teachers yesterday and I'm extremely impressed with both of them. I talked with Sam's longer because I wanted to voice our concerns about the way he learns (and his inability to sense the need to go to the bathroom). Her response was incredible and I feel very confident that he's in the right class. There will be 17 students in her class, one of which is also named Sam and has a twin sister! How perfect is that?

Tomorrow night we go for "Teacher Meet & Greet" so we'll meet Hayes's teacher then and get to know the twins' more. I'm excited about that venture. Then they start school on Monday and all system's are go!

I'm feeling very pleased with our decision to buy this house. I absolutely love that we'll be walking to school (3-4 minute walk!) and I'm feeling confident in the school's teaching practices (like a large focus on phonics).

More to report quite soon ...