blessings

5 weeks old

fixing Stella's hair

baby steps

You might have been wondering how we're doing.

Jeff is mostly back to work, although he's still got a day or two off in the next few weeks.  My first day back as the only adult on the scene (Jeff only worked a half day that time) was really good...and two days later it was really rough.  So it's a process.  Today I've been on my own with the kids all day long, and it was been great.  I'm thankful for every sweet moment, and also for the grace to get through the harder times.

So yeah, it is definitely a process.  I'm gradually getting back into cooking, helped by a small arsenal of meals I popped into the freezer before the baby was born.  Trying to plan meals that are fairly quick to prepare helps, too.  I'm amazed by how much my nesting/stocking up and menu planning have eased this aspect of our transition to a family of seven, truly.

We're still not doing school.  But frankly, we'd still be on our first inter-term break at this point anyway - even without having had a baby.  I had penciled in a start date as January 23rd, but I was thinking that it might be gentler to try to ease into it next week...just a little.  Perhaps one subject a day?  We'll see.

The kids have adjusted splendidly to having a new baby in the house.  The older boys are incredible helpers, although I try not to place too much "parental" responsibility on them.  Owen has been delighted with the news that he'll be sharing a bedroom with Gabe, and has seemed only pleased with the change we've made in rearranging said room.  And Elise is the sweetest "little mama" you could imagine.  She has even managed to pick up the wee one on her own a few times - always off of the floor and onto her lap, but it always causes my heart to leap into my throat, regardless...

So here we are.  Adjusting to a new (sometimes fussy) baby.   Juggling life with a toddler and a newborn.  Having two in diapers (but oh - did I mention that Elise is kinda-sorta potty training?  I must have gone mad.  There's nothing like cozily feeding your newborn when you hear a little voice say "Poop!").  But we're finding our way.  And in a lot of ways, it feels very comfortable and familiar.   I am mostly even keeping up with my chores.

But we'll see how it goes when we resume our schoolwork...!

one month old

Our newest blessing is one month old today!

Craziness.

overheard

1) "Are we done learning yet???" (Kyle, age 6)

2) "Sometimes I feel so skinny!" (Ben, age 9)

3) "Elise and I are playing house. The kitty is our baby. She's napping in her bed, right there. I fed her a [plastic] potato chip - she liked it!" (Owen, age 3)

4)  "Mom, what color is thunder?  Is it...purple?"  (Owen)

purse an' boots

it's all coming back to me now

Yep, it's all coming back.  Dark nighttime feedings.  Diaper changes.  The itty bitty laundry.  Fixing breakfast with one hand (although the free hand works in conjunction with my injured wrist, which complicates things a bit).  Cultivating sibling bonds.

Baby's first Christmas.  Daddy time.  Sweet, snuggly, squishy cuddles.  The eau de baby vomit.  The most efficient way to hold a burp cloth while burping the baby (cupped, if you want to know).  Never laying a baby down on my bed without a large burp cloth under his head...

The babymoon.

Yes, it's all coming back to me now.  That sweet little head, the fluffy baby hair after his bath.  Belly kisses. The milk comas. The tiny hands and feet.  How he needs me.

It's all coming back to me.  Did I ever really forget?  I don't think so.


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ~James 1:17

a family Christmas

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and I wish you a wonderfully happy and blessed New Year!

(Sorry this is late, we've been a little busy around here....)