Two Boys and a Baby

I am often asked how our boys are adjusting to us having Aster in our family. And I always say, "They are crazy about her! And she adores them, too."

It is one of the sweetest blessings to see them enjoying her so much!

Here are a few changes I've noticed and loved:

Joshua and Andrew used to call shotgun in the morning and fight over who gets to sit in the front seat on the way to school. Now they "call" who gets to sit next to Aster. And at dinner they usually sit on each side. Unless she's spewing food; then no one sits next to the princess.

They used to be distracted by snacks, phone calls and after school plans with friends. Now they are distracted by the coos and calls of their baby sister. Sometimes I'll find them playing with her in the living room when they are supposed to be working on homework or housework. But I understand; I can't get enough of her either!

They used to be all about themselves during our morning rush. Now they pitch in to help because we need them more than ever. Yesterday I asked and they kindly made my coffee, got Aster dressed and loaded the car so I could get myself and Aster fed and out the door on time.

Sometimes I overhear them talking about her and I can tell they're surprised by how much fun she is. Like yesterday on the way home from school they went back and forth: "Aster is so happy and sweet." "Yea, just think of what she'd be doing if she were still in the orphanage." "She'd be crying." "I'm glad she's with us."

Last night at dinner, they were reminding me of how sad I was when another adoption referral fell through last fall and how I cried because we didn't get to adopt two other little girls. And then Andrew pointed to Aster who was in my arms laughing and playing and said, "See mom, she was the one God had already picked out for our family."