New Cook in the Kitchen and Sister Photo Shoot

The big kids have VBS this week so Nate and I have been able to get some one on one time with Cate - without having to fight for it.  HA! She definitely missed Skylar and Wyatt though - she kept asking "Wy-it?  Jei Jei?!"  It's amazing to me how much talking she is doing.  We were so worried about her language - especially due to some things her medical file included - but I really think she will be just fine.  She is already understanding a lot of what we say to her -and she is a little parrot - repeating everything!

Yes, I have already put her to work in the kitchen.  We came home to some super ripe bananas - so it only made sense to whip up some banana muffins with my new helper.  She loved mixing everything up - learned the word "stir" - which sounds more like "store".  She had a massive meltdown when we put them in the oven instead of eating them. I made sure we checked on them halfway through - so she could see them puffing up - and then when the time went off we made a big deal of coming to take them out and she had the biggest surprise face!  Maybe next time she won't be so sad to put them in to cook!

Knox came home from Aunt Jo's house on Sunday afternoon - she seemed intrigued but a little indifferent.  She definitely doesn't like when he barks (which - Knox - being scared of his shadow - is more often than I care to admit).  She was a little more interested in him today and wanted to pet him.  Knox (as Cate says "Nosh" desperately wants to be friends and has been patient and gentle - when typically he is extremely high strung.  Maybe he senses my "it's her over you, buddy" attitude. Woops!  Poor dog, down one more rung on the totem pole.

We ran to Publix to get a prescription for Cate's skin - she had a major eczema flare up while we were in China and I was thankful to be home where we had access to more than just over the counter itch cream for her.  Of course, we had to let her have her first sugar cookie.  It took Nate and I half the store and him finally sneaking a piece into her mouth for her to try it.  once she finally tasted it - there was no turning back.  She has "Mmmmmm MMMMmmmm" down pat. 

Skylar has been dying for the day they could finally wear matching outfits - and had these picked out the night before and made me promise a sister photoshoot.  These two are something else together.  

Cate is adjusting so well - or seems to be.  I have been braced for lots of rocky days - and I know they will come at some point - but for now we are just so thankful that she seems to love being here as much as we love having her.