Chips and Chocolate Peanut Drops

Oh, mercy. This candy is easy, delicious, and addictive (remember, I warned ya!). My mother-in-law got me hooked, and she passed along the recipe. The kids helped make a batch for their preschool teachers. Huge hit!

Ingredients:

2 cups of peanut butter chips (I use the whole bag of Reese's peanut butter chips)

1 1/3 cups of milk chocolate chips

1 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts (honey roasted work too!)

1 cup crushed ridged potato chips (yes!)

Melt PB chips and chocolate chips together in a sauce pan over very low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Melt until smooth. Stir in peanuts and crushed chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper lined baking sheets. (You can also drop them into small paper candy cups.) Refrigerate til firm. Store in air tight container.

Yields: 3-4 dozen

Getting Comfortable

Wow. It's really amazing how well Zeb is adapting to our family and home! Aside from a nasty case of RSV and an ear infection, he's been quite healthy. So, here are some photos to enjoy!

Finding our Rhythm

So, we are working on finding our rhythm as a family of five. It's really fun to see how Zeke and Quilla have embraced their position as "the bigs." Zeb seems to love being the baby and having everyone give him so much attention. At the same time, we are making time for each parent to spend one-on-one time with each child. It's so important to make sure everyone has special time with mom and dad.

We are still waiting to find out what exactly the plan will be for Zeb's cleft repairs. He saw an ENT today who says he does need tubes in his ears. He has fluid in them, but they are not infected. In the meantime, Zeb's eating well. He had a little bug over the weekend, but it hasn't slowed him down much at all.

Here are some recent family photos. Enjoy!

HOME!

We are so thankful to be home. We arrived Saturday night, completely exhausted, but overjoyed by a loving reception at the airport. Since then, Missy has been quite sick, and Zeb has adjusted very well. The only hang-up with Zeb is at night. Just as he did in China, he is having a tough time staying asleep through the night. Because we got to see his nanny again after we had him with us for a couple of days, we asked her how well he slept at the orphanage. She said he slept very well. So, we can only assume that, in addition to jetlag, he's still dealing with the transition by having fitful sleep. We pray he gets to a point soon where he can enjoy some long, peaceful nights.

Zeke and Quilla are absolutely thrilled with their brother. They have enjoyed playing with him and helping us take care of him. Quilla is his "little mama" and Zeke is his loving big bro, teaching him how to play with cars. It's been so much fun watching the kids get to know each other.

From China With Love

Zeb is doing so well. He seems to be attaching to us, and is happy much of the time. Still, he's had some rough times at night. We are taking him to see a doctor tomorrow for a possible ear infection. We think this has disrupted his sleep (and ours too!). Bless his little heart...He has been such a trooper. We just love his little personality and how his inner beauty shines through. As for his outer beauty...well, just look at that face! Couldn't you just eat him up??

This little guy can fall asleep anywhere!

Daddy, look over there!

Hello, world!

So happy and sweet!

Settling In, Now in Guangzhou!

We were sad to say goodbye to our wonderful guide, Sophie, when we left Nanjing.

Waiting for Zeb to get his obligatory adoption physical exam. He passed with flying colors.

"No more photos, please!"

He's had one big day after another!

On Tuesday, We Made it Legal!