Saturday, May 28, 2011

And Then Some




So it's been a while. I know. I could go back and tell you all about the last seven months, but that would require a portion of my brain that is not quite fully functional yet due to sleep deprivation combined with age! Did you know it's WAY harder to have a baby at 34 than it is at 29? I didn't but I do now. So the best I can offer is a brief run down of events, a few pictures, and the promise to do better from this point on.

Reagan turned 4, and with that grew a pair of sassy horns! The problem with these horns is that everything she says is actually quite funny,so you often find yourself biting your lip while explaining why she shouldn't be putting make-up on the dog, or running across a bridge to catch up with her friend that gets to run and "that's not fair." She is adjusting to her new role in the family. Her volume has increased exponentially, which most believed impossible, and only occasionally sits on her sister's head. Mostly it's love and kisses for her real live baby doll!

Caitlyn is still 7, but not for long! I must say that she is by far my most obedient child. If she didn't cry 47 times a day, I would deem her perfect. She has had a rather tumultuous 2nd grade year, but finished the year strong with all A's and is now reading above benchmark! She is still my little artist and has found a special place in the heart of her art teacher at school! But she is my little shopping buddy. If it has a heart or peace sign on it, or is the color blue, she must have it. I really enjoy the moments we have together, just her and I. They are too few and far between.

Logan turned 11 in March, and reminds me every day since school let out that he is not in elementary school anymore. I find it remarkable, especially since I am still 25. He has been extremely helpful since the baby was born. Most say he could run the house if necessary, and I must agree. When asked, he will moan and groan about having 3 sisters, but he is the best brother ever and takes excellent care of them - except when he is on a recon mission with a Nerf gun and "accidentally" shoots his sister in the eye with it. He was inducted into National Honor Society last week which requires a GPA of 3.9 or better to be a part of.

And the baby. Eden is now seven weeks old, but is often mistaken for a 3 month old. She is in the 75% for height and weight, with a nice round basketball head. But we love our little chunky monkey! She is a perfect baby. You need one of those when it's number four and you have scouts, piano, soccer, football, and work. The only time Eden makes any noise is to coo when she is happy and cry when she is hungry. Which is every three hours. Around the clock. And enjoys her momma bonding time at 3am. For at least an hour.

That makes for one tired me. And a daddy that had to get kids off to school every morning so I could sleep an extra hour. We are learning how to adjust to the new normal of a family of six. We are learning to build an extra 20 minutes into any schedule, and yet we are still late everywhere we go. Surely we will get the hang of it by Eden's first birthday. But then it will be time for another one! How many hearts did I just stop? Oh we tease because if there is anything I have been sure of in these last seven months, it's that this womb is officially closed for business!!

A Blessing



Did you ever think, dear Mother,
As the seeds of me you sowed,
As you breathed new life inside of me
And slowly watched me grow,
In all your dreams about me
When you planned me out so well,
When you couldn't wait to have me there
Inside your heart to dwell,

Did you ever think that maybe,
I was planning for you, too,
And choosing for my very own
A mother just like you?
A mother who smelled sweet and who
had hands so creamy white,
A tender, loving creature
Who would soothe me in the night?

Did you ever think in all those days
While you were coming due,
That as you planned a life for me
I sought a life with you?
And now as I lay in your arms,
I wonder if you knew
While you were busy making me,
I was choosing you!

--Unknown author

Monday, May 23, 2011