Chapter 33

During the next ten years many things changed for the group of people that once considered themselves as part of the JAG family.

The First Year: Fall 2005 to Fall 2006

Two months after Harm and Mattie arrived in London Harm married Mattie's physical therapist, she was a pretty blue-eyed blonde named Sarit.

Three months after arriving in California, the Chegwidden's sent out their first 'birth' announcement. They had been going through the adoption book after finishing the classes and being approved, when AJ came across a sibling group that the agency had listed as 'must be placed together'. He turned to his wife, asking, "You were serious about having a large family weren't you darling?" Six weeks later they became the parents of Emily, Esme, Elysia, Ethan, and Evan.

Emily (10) is a healthy and active girl. She is sociable, bright and enjoys school, puzzles, arts and crafts, music, dancing and riding her bike. She is an articulate young girl who is not afraid to express her feelings. Under no circumstances should these children be separated.

Esme (8) is a healthy girl who is the second oldest of a sibling group of five. She keeps a diary, like her older sister Emily, and is equally bright and doing well in school. When there is conflict between the siblings, Esme tries to act as a mediator.

Elysia (7) the third sibling of this group, is a healthy girl. She is very sweet and responds to adults. For her birthday, she would like a diary like her older sisters.

Ethan (9) is the oldest boy of this sibling group. Healthy, he is a very active child and also loving and responsive to adults. Although he is shy on occasion, he will stand up for himself.

Evan (3) is the youngest of this sibling set and he is very friendly toward adults. Whenever he watches his older siblings do school work, he'll pull a pencil and paper out and pretend that he is also going to school. Evan enjoys having a regular walk in the morning after his older siblings have left for school.

Four months after AJ and Mac's wedding Harriett gave birth to a pair of beautiful baby girls. They named them Theresa and Tamara.

Christmas that year was a very festive time, the Chegwiddens, all seven of them, arrived in Virginia to share the holiday with the Roberts' family. Even though they'd been invited to stay with Bud and Harriett, they felt that with three week old twins in the house, having seven house guests on top of it would be too much. So instead they took a suite at the Willard for the four days they would be in town. Bud and Harriett were as charmed by the five new Chegwiddens as AJ and Mac were by the Roberts twins.

Over Easter break from school Chloe headed to California to check out three schools she was considering attending in the fall. She arrived a week after AJ and Mac added the sixth and seventh child to their family. Steven and Suzie were brother and sister. Chloe was so taken with Suzie in the week that she was there that she changed her major from general studies to physical therapy.

Steven (5) Inquisitive, active, and enthusiastic best describe this young man. His smile will melt your heart and his bright eyes connect with you immediately. Currently, Steven and Suzie live in separate foster homes, as Suzie needs specialized medical care. However, they have a close bond that nobody can break. Whenever they are together, Steven showers his sister with endless affection and hugs. They will be able to thrive to their full potential if given a permanent family that they can call their own.

Suzie (7) has a big heart and loves being held and cuddled. She enjoys being with children her age. She responds well to praise and simple instructions. She is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, strabismus, hydrocephalus, and developmental delays. She uses a wheelchair for mobility, but has made tremendous strides in physical therapy and is now able to use a walker and can take a few steps independently.

As the year came to a close, word came from London that Harm and Sarit were divorcing. Chloe was accepted to the university of her choice, and Jen Coates finally admitted she was over her feelings for Harm and started dating Mike Roberts.

To be continued….