Back to Life and Random Thoughts from the Week

I thought about calling this post "Easing Back into Real Life," but with eight kids, there's no "easing" into anything. I fully enjoyed and savored the quiet peace of the hospital with Katie, knowing that there would be few quiet moments in the weeks to come. It was hilarious to come home last Wednesday. As we drove up to our house, I could see bikes and wiggle racers strewn all over the driveway and sidewalk. When we walked in the door, the first person to come running up to me was Sarah, calling out excitedly, “Mommy, I caught a snake!” and waving it towards my face. The other kids came running to see Katie and asked to hold her and I knew I was home. That first night home, I was up with Sarah twice, once because she had a nightmare and once because she had a painful rash that needed tending, Harmony once because she’s sick and stuffed up, and Katie three times. I woke up the next morning with a smile, "Yep, I'm home!" I was grateful my mother-in-law was here to help me get some rest during the day. Harmony’s been sick all week with a cold that’s made her extra cranky. Since all she wants to do is hold and touch Katie, it’s been a bit of a challenge to keep the germs at bay. When her cold refused to subside, DH took Harmony to the doctor Saturday to discover she has a sinus infection and double ear infections. She’s been doing a bit better after starting antibiotics. DH's been very busy and also ended up sick last week. He was gone to a conference most of last weekend and he'll be leaving again tomorrow for another conference. That makes three out of the last four weekends he'll be gone. Luckily, I'm blessed to have my mom here this week to help. *** I've had a lot to think about this week as I brought our newest miracle home, but since most don't merit a blog post on their own, I thought I'd just dump a few of them on you. * What a privilege it is to be a mother. * What's with nurses and swaddling? My poor baby spent the last few months confined to a teeny tiny space and now they're going to restrict her freedom to move again? None of my babies, save Eliza, have wanted to be swaddled. They all seem happier to have their arms free while being cuddled. Eliza, on the other hand, loved being wrapped up and was one of my easiest babies to put to sleep. I'd swaddle her up tightly, lie her in her crib with a pacifier, and she'd fall asleep in a few minutes. And she did that up until she was five months old. She was a dream baby. * Wow, the Rachels were here and they cleaned my house! I've got some awesome friends. * And they mopped my floors? That's going above and beyond! * What's with the kids leaving their dirty socks everywhere? I'm SO tired of picking up other people's dirty socks. * I'm so glad my mother-in-law is here. She's organized our videos, cleaned off our porches, made yummy food, and given the little girls wonderful attention. And those naps I've been able to take have been so nourishing. * I'm so glad we have a crib upstairs to lie Katie in. Those bars are great protection from too-eager hands. * Awake at 4 a.m. again? * Eek, gotta get Harmony's nose wiped and keep those hands away from Katie! * Maybe if I put her down really gently, she'll stay asleep. Guess not. * Why does everyone act like I should be lying in bed? I want to be up and around. * Five in a row! This is going to be so much fun for these little girls to grow up. I can almost picture them as five teenagers sitting on the couch posing for pictures. But only almost. * The kids are so good to Katie. There's never any shortage of hands to hold her. * Katie is such a sweet baby. I can't believe I've been privileged to do this eight times. Each time I wonder if something might go wrong and each time I thank God for the miracle of another perfect baby. * I'm really glad Harmony loves those Legos so much, but this is the fifth time I've cleaned these up today. * Wow, I'm sore. Maybe I should do more lying in bed. * That really is the cutest outfit the Hatches brought me. I'm glad people don't just assume I have enough clothes. While it's fun to see Katie wear something all her sisters have worn, it's thrilling to see her in something new. * Why does your fussy time have to be right when I'm drifting off into peaceful, oblivious slumber? * Oh! Gotta get Harmony's nose again. * Australian animal reports due, Mother Goose fair, fifth grade maturation program, strings concert, school survey, field trip permission slips . . . doesn't the school know we just had a new baby? * I know DH's feeling rotten today, but I'm so glad he found time to put together that crib. And look how awesome it fits in that corner of the nursery. Harmony's so excited to see Katie lying in it. I'm glad we have nice neighbors who gave it to us. * I really need to be grateful Katie is such a pleasant baby. I still don't know how my sister handled five fussy babies -- she amazes me. * I still need to find a time to get some sleeping newborn shots of Katie when the light's good. Oh well, at least I got some cute ones of her awake the other day.
* I have the best life.

Comments

Natalie said…
What a real post=) I'm so glad you've got good help and that your spirits are up. I love that picture of all of the girls! There are few blessings in my life that compare with my sisters and I'm so excited for your girls to have that too.
Jen said…
I'm a lurker PYP-er and I just have to pop in quickly to say I admire you and I know what you are feeling. (Well, I have 5, not 8)

I think your attitude is wonderful. Thanks for your example!
Archer's Mum said…
what a lovely post :)you are such an inspiration!
Oh my!! I am exhausted just reading your post!! I am so glad you have help at home. Please be careful and don't get overly tired.

And such a cute picture of your baby!! I love it!
Stacey said…
What a beautiful photo! Although six is not eight, I've had similar experience coming home. I'm so glad you have some help! What great family and neighbors you have surrounded yourself with!
Jacki said…
I'm tired now after reading your post... I think I need a nap :)
You're amazing.
Let me know if you figure out the sock thing!!
Wendy said…
You definitely don't have a boring life. And you seem to possess a somewhat positive attitude even with a lack of sleep.
Rachel said…
I love it:)..now we just need a picture of the dishes and laundry:) he he he....live as a mom is never dull that's for sure.
3in3mom said…
LOVE your post. So glad you're doing well.

I hope to get to see you in June while we're up there. Been so baby hungry lately. Just wonder when it'll happen again for us. . . which seems to be the question most of my married life.

Congrats on the beautiful sweetie!