Settling in to the new rhythm

Well three weeks on and we are back in Manila again. I wouldn't say that life is yet back to normal, unless you consider nightly strategic moves between bedrooms with a particular very small and beloved human in order for each of us to get enough sleep (gasp) normal.. :-)

Emily and Zoe seem to be flourishing being back - Zoe has begun attending a preschool 3 mornings a week and Emily continues to amaze with her curiosity and insight. Pops asked her the deep question "What's important in life?" while we were in NZ, and she came straight back with "talking about God"... Blew us away...

It was a special time in NZ with family and friends, welcoming our new addition to the world. Thanks to everyone who made our recent visit so special. And our friends here in Manila have been welcoming too. Here are a few pics from the last few weeks.

And now we are 5!!!

HI all,

Its been quite a day.

All went well with the delivery by C-section of our third daughter, Tessa Grace Smith. She arrived at 9:43 this morning (NZ time) weighing in at 3.79 kg (8 lb 6 oz), which puts her on a par with her sisters given that she was 'taken out' ten days early... Mum and bubba are well and enjoying the care at Waitakere hospital. Visitors hours are 90 minutes from each of 10am, 2pm and 6pm, if you are around and want to drop by.

The most surreal moment was trying to get a picture of her that satisfied Internal Affairs requirements for a passport application.... have to get that sorted pronto to make sure we all get back into the Philippines!!! - here are a few shots: