Tonggu Girls

Dusty created this collage of the girls. This week marks the first anniversary of our referrals. We received ours on August 1, 2006. So a year ago this week, our family went from one child to two. and now, a year later, we have three. And our family isn't the only one with big changes: Five of the seven girls will be big sisters. Mary Joyce will become a big sister any minute now, as her mama is past due to deliver baby Katherine. And three of the other Tonggu girls will be getting little sisters from Vietnam. And we all look forward to what God has planned for us in the coming year.

I'm the Captain.

Adventure Science Museum





For the past few days spencer has been dressing as a pirate and then this morning we saw on the news that today was pirate day at the local science museum so we loaded up the family.

Just like with Santa, Aidyn was terrified of the Head Pirate.

Otter Creek has Otters, but they do look like Calvin

Because the weather was lovely over the weekend, I forced the family out of the house for a hike. We took them to Radnor Lake State Natural Area bc it is close to the house and our travel guide book said the place was beautiful and full of wildlife; it failed to mention the foul pond scum but the place was pretty. We saw a doe and three fawn cross the road right in front of us--just feet away from jeremy and spencer. And I spotted an otter out on a tree trunk in the lake. Jeremy took the big kids down for a closer look to see that the otter was eating a fish. spencer was great about whispering around the critters. Aidyn snorted "uhhh" to the otter, who in turn looked back at her and then continued eating. Preston rode well in his carseat and seemed to enjoy the outdoors. This path was good for a newborn bc it was paved and we could use the stroller. Once i've recovered more and Preston can hold his head up we will have to go back and hike the trails with the smallest kids in backpacks. Of course jeremy will be glad bc pushing three kids uphill in the stroller today was more workout than he cared for.

Grandparent Detox and doctor appointments

I just got the calendar out to count how many days the kids have been with extended family during this crazy move: out of the last 102 days Spence and Aidyn have been with grandparents, aunts, and uncles a grand total of 71 days.

So we will now begin grandparent detox. Spence has been doing really well with the major changes, but Aidyn has been trying us. At 18 months there's just no way to communicate to her what is happening and her inability to communicate with us increases her frustration and hence she whines more. Fortunately for us, Uncle Phillip just called and asked for spence to spend the night with jack so we will be able to spend tonight having some fun time with Aidyn.

Both big kids seem to like the new house. Occasionally spence will say that sometimes he misses his old home and friends in atlanta but he seems excited to be in tennessee and has even asked about where we will be attending church--which is huge bc he never wants to go to church or to school. and both kids love, love, love their new brother--sometimes a bit too much, especially aidyn. today i caught her sitting up on top of Preston, kissing his head, while he was in his bouncy chair.

Preston is such a good baby that sometimes it is easy to forget he is home. He rarely cries. and sleeps well at night.

they all had doctor appointments today and here are the results:
spencer at 3 years weighs 39 lbs (93%tile) and height is 40 in (90%tile)
aidyn at 18 months weighs17 lbs 10 oz (not even on the growth chart) and height is 29.75 in (3%tile)
preston at 2 weeks weighs 8 lbs 8 oz and height is 20.25 in

More Of Baby Preston

Preston Kincade

Playgroup friends, neighborhood moms, Discover group, and family: Here are a few pictures from Poppa's camera to tide you over til tomorrow. Our film is getting developed tonight and we will add them soon.








Hooray! We are home and finally have internet connection again. So much has happened since June 29th when we moved into our new home. The moving company left July 2nd and we (jeremy, marsha, and grandparents) spent July 3rd and 4th getting our boxes unpacked and putting our house in order. And then on the afternoon of July 5th, our son and God decided to surprise us with an early delivery. Preston Kincade was born at 6:39 pm and weighed 7 pounds, 10.5 ounces and 20 inches long. He has been such a blessing during this incredibly frustrating move. So far he has been an easy and sweet baby. Spencer and Aidyn adore him and they love to pet him and give him kisses. The delivery and recovery has been a breeze this time, with none of the complications we have had in past.

We visited Brentwood Hills church on July 1st and members of the Sunday school class are bringing us meals for the next 2 1/2 weeks. Amazing. What a blessing! We miss all of our Atlanta friends but we look forward to making new friendships here.

Our home phone number in Nashville changed last week. Please email us and we will reply with the correct address, home phone and email info bc I don't want to post that info online.

Thanks for all of your prayers. We miss you and can't wait for you to visit and meet our son,
Marsha

He's Here!

Hi everyone...This is Mary Alice (or Aunt May May, as I am better known these days) guest blogging for the proud new mom and dad. I am so happy to report that Preston (middle name still TBD) Duncan was born last night at 6:39 p.m. weighing in at 7 pounds, 10 and a half ounces. He is 20 inches long, has reddish blonde hair and bears a striking resemblance to his big brother!

I know that I am partial, but he is beautiful! Jeremy (or Jerome, as I call him - you should too because he LOVES it) and Marsha are doing great and will be resting at the hospital for the nest few days. We stopped by this morning to introduce Jack to his new baby cousin and were able to get a family photo to share with everyone.

Enjoy - and I am sure that Marsha will update everyone just as soon as she gets home and they get internet access set up!