To Remember This Day

I haven't done one of these in so long, but they are so fun and I love to look back, read them, and remember those special days/feelings.

Maybe it's the newborn that brings them out in me (even though she was inside sleeping).  I wish I did them more often!

March 5, 2013

Warm wind

Sweatpants

My man smelling of charcoal

Chalk as an expression of self 

Follow the leader

The leader being Autumn 

Of course

Caleb made a prisoner by a single step

Caleb gifting his mama a weed

Runny noses

Bouncing curls

Sturdy legs

Blue, blue eyes

What a beautiful evening

Mom of Three

I've quickly learned as a mom of 3 how the world is not built for "big" families.  Having three is so different than having two.

First of all, there is just a general impression you get that people don't understand why you would have three.  And, with us, why on earth we would have 3 so close together.  I mean, according to society, two is accepted and even expected, but any more than that..."they" want to know "why"?  I find myself explaining "we didn't plan this"...like having 3 under 3 is some sin that I should have known not to commit.  I hate it and I have just decided to never again say that to people.  Planned or not, it is one of the most beautiful things about my life and I don't need to explain it away to anyone.

There is also the issue of childcare.  I've started going to an exercise class (first time ever!) and I love it.  I love working out and I love getting healthy.  However, there is a childcare issue (unrelated to me) and there seems to be (possibly) too many children to have to baby sit.  So, of course, I think I should just quit going.  No one has said that to me, but I am the only one who brings 3 children and certainly the only one who brings 3 very young children.

I would like to join a bible study, but am afraid I will run up against the same issue.  I take up one adult spot and 3 child spots.  It is my right to attend these things...but I can't help but feel like they see me coming and inwardly groan.  I am sure part of the problem is my own low self esteem and insecurities.

I wish society would see my children and smile.  I wish people would see me pushing a double stroller with a baby strapped to my chest and say "how happy you must be" or "you are one lucky woman" instead of "whoa" or "I guess you are done having kids for awhile, eh?".  I wish society loved children instead of seeing them as a financial burden or as stress.

My children are so special to me and so loved by me (and my husband!) and it pains my heart to have people think they are anything less than wonderful.  For us, it is can be very challenging having all these littles, but also so very worth it.

I don't know how to feel comfortable/accepted in society with these kids, but I better figure it out because we may have more!

Ladybug Two Months

How is the gorgeous child two months old?  I still think my heart might burst from loving her so much.

She still rarely cries.
If I drink milk, her belly gets upset.  (Same as the other two)
She smiles!
She coos.
All 4 of us are completely obsessed, especially Autumn.  And me.  And Chris.  And Caleb.

Now, details to be later recorded in her baby book (I have barely begun Caleb's!  I'm SOOO behind!)
Sleeping
She isn't on a strict schedule and every day it is a bit different, but she roughly naps 4-5 times a day and her awake time each round is about one hour.  When we are not at home, she sleeps less and does OK with it.  She is super flexible!  At night she wakes up once or twice to eat.  Here is the insane thing about that.  I don't wish for her to sleep through the night.  I mean, sure, it will be nice to get sleep, but I am LOVING her as a baby.  Not struggling with postpartum depression this round has been freaking AMAZING (another post about that sometime!). I just want her to stay little for as long as possible.  My 3 year on the other hand drives me to red fury waking up all the time...she woke up more times than Eliza last night.

Eating
She nurses every 2-3 hours.  She is going for longer stretches when we are at home and gets really great naps in, but on the days we are out and about I tend to nurse her more often (less sleep, extra fussiness, more comfort needed?  Not sure, but she eats more often when we aren't at home).

Playing
Hmmmm...not so much.  She does smile a lot now when someone makes eye contact with her.  The other night Chris was holding her and I came over to say hi and as soon as she heard my voice, she perked up!  It made my entire month!!

She brings so much to our family and I absolutely could not imagine life without this beautiful girl!

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Ladybug One Month

My  littlest little is one month old. 

She is the most precious baby ever.  Except for my other two of course.  

I just love her so much my heart might burst.  

She rarely cries which is quite a change from the other two!  Autumn had colic and Caleb still cries all the time at 16 months.  

She is a little peanut.  Still in newborn clothes which is also a change from my other two.  Autumn is a giantess and Caleb's nickname is Baby Hulk.   

She eats good and sleeps pretty well.  She sleeps better during the day than at night...why is that?  I'm not complaining though...she has been really easy so far.  

If I were to guess, I would say she is an "Angel Baby" according to the Baby Whisperer personality types (Angel, Textbook, Grumpy, Spirited, Touchy).  Autumn is textbook and Caleb is touchy.  

She is so pretty and easy going.  Both of the big kids love her (thank goodness!) and enjoy kissing her and holding her.  She takes it all in stride :)

I feel so very very blessed to be this precious child's mama.   

Oh, and I call her my Ladybug...hence the title of this post ;)