No Ice Cream, No Groceries- But We are Whole

We are whole. Big Sis is finally in town for Summer break. Our home becomes so much more lively with her around. Even the most frustrating situations become an afterthought when she is here... I loaded up all three kids into a hot car with a promise of ice cream upon good behavior at the grocery store and after countless efforts to start my car we headed back inside, defeated.

As soon as we get in the house Tatum has the idea to just pray really hard and God wills start the car. Oh how I love her so much. I hope her Philippians 4:13 mentality never fades. There are times when I wonder if I fail her as a mom because we are blended family and I miss so much when she is not here, but moments like today make me realize I am doing just fine.

Thank you God for a daughter who loves you, trust you and loves learning about you. I pray that she grows to be everything you want her to be. At this age I don't know if she truly understands everything you are, but after what she said today, I realize perhaps it is I who does not truly know you like she does.

Humbling Tantrums

Nothing like feeling confident after both kids wake up from a nap to go to the grocery store, only to get inside and have your 1y/o pitch a fit and throw his shoe at a stranger...All while the 3 month old is screaming and vomits the whole contents of her last bottle down your shirt. So you reach for a burp rag that is not there and end up cleaning yourself and the infant with a spare diaper. Then when you think the calm has come, the 1 y/o starts another tantrum over a cup of cookies he's never even had before. So you give him the cookies hoping they'll let you make it to the dairy aisle. After that you beeline to the register, the cashier rings and loads you up all to find out you left your wallet in the car....to humble you. 

Once I laid him in bed tonight and checked on him a few minutes later he was out! I guess the sugar rush and energy exhausted during the tantrum got to him. But looking at him sleep peacefully, I could not be more proud and in love with my little hellion. I complain about these terrible twos a lot, and he's not even two yet. I've got a long way to go until the tantrums subside, so until then pray for me. LOL! 

Blooming Bath

I registered and received the Blooming Bath for a baby shower gift and I have to say as cute as it is, I don't think it will be a necessity for us at bath time. The idea is great and the design is adorable, but I try to make Addie's bath time quick and straightforward. The Blooming Bath allows baby to sit comfortably in a sink, but because I am try not to let her soak for too long, and rather just bathe and dry her  quickly, there is really no point to set up the flower, and worse, dry the darn thing out. It is very comfortable and she enjoys sitting in it, but if y'all are quick bathers like we are, I wouldn't bother with this. For details and specs on the The Blooming Bath go to their website, linked above. Many people rave about it, but after a few weeks, I hear the same thing from other parents... it is a hassle. No complaints on the product functionality besides it takes forever to dry out and gets really heavy when wet. The best way I found to dry it out is to lay it flat in the bath tub, but it will start to stink after two baths from air drying. Once washed, the product comes out just as soft and smelling great, but again, its a haul when it is wet. I've got enough laundry to do so having to bathe a bath isn't on my favorite priority list. Ultimately, I say don't waste the money on this, unless you are okay with the extra maintenance tasks and want baby to lounge during bath time. 

Two Weeks & Feeling Brave

Addie is two weeks old and I've never been more tired in my life. Having a 1 year old and a 2 week old is BY FAR one of the hardest things I've ever done. The lack of sleep is debilitating. I have been so 

 fortunate to have the help friends and family to make my days easier. From brining me freezer meals, babysitting, and just an ear to vent to, I could not be more thankful. You think after two weeks of being at home with no sleep, the first thing I would want to do is go to bed. But now that the the laundry is caught up and the floors aren't sticky, I realized Jo and I are going stir crazy in the house. Today was our first day out on the town, just the three of us and it took a little more time getting in and out of the house, but it was so worth it.

I'm starting to worry about juggling my time between both babies. They are both at an age where they are so dependent on me and need my full attention, that I am not sure I will be able to do it. Friends I have talked to who have a similar age difference between children have said you'll get the hang of it, hopefully that will come sooner than later. Right now Jo isn't jealous yet, but knowing his demeanor, I expect it soon. For now I am just trying to make sure he keeps his diaper on and food on his tray, and distract him with Disney Jr. 

Addison is starting to make eye contact more and she's quite the looker. She's adorable when she's sleeping, but now that she's opening her eyes more I am even more amazed by her beauty. Speaking of Addie... she beckons for a bottle. Until next time....

Settling In

A few days home from the hospital now... so very tired... posts won't be as consistent because of the craziness of both babies and getting settled into a routine- or shall I saw attempting to find a routine. Until then, enjoy these...

He's Off!

Well I can officially say we have a runner on our hands. It took a while for Jo to actually feel comfortable with walking, but he got it down! Just time to help me when little sister arrives, or just in time to give me a 'run' for my money when little sister arrives. The latter is more likely, but I am so proud of him for finally finding his bearings and taking off.

 

  

41 More Days!

41 more days until Lil Sis is here to play. I am definitely over the constant trips to the bathroom, sleepless nights, and kicks in the ribs.