On my own

Today I am on my own with my 3 little men!

Richard's mom was here for the past 2 1/2 weeks helping out while we adjusted to life as a family of 5. She headed back to sunny California today and we will miss her. She was a wonderful help doing laundry, washing dishes, playing with the boys, and letting me take naps frequently.

It is funny how I can hardly imagine life without Isaac and he is only 3 weeks old (well tomorrow) and the older two are LOVING him! I can't believe how big he has gotten in only 3 weeks! I took him to the doctor yesterday for his 2 week check up and he was 10lbs 2oz, 22 1/4 inches long, and his head circumference was 15 inches! He has gained 2 pounds since we left the hospital!

He is still the BEST baby ever and I am so thankful for that! He is so laid back, mellow, and sleeps and eats like a champ. His eyes are still dark blue and the jury is still out on whether or not they are going to stay blue or change to brown. His eyelashes and eyebrows are growing in very light like mine so there is hope his hair will stay the same color as mine! If none of my boys are going to look like me at least I will be able to claim Isaac as my own ;0)

I have been spending LOTS of time thanking the Lord for our sweet 10lb bundle of joy! It is funny how different my perspective is this time around after having to wait for him. Not that I didn't enjoy my other boys as newborns, but getting up multiple times in the night, being sleep deprived, and washing MANY loads of laundry a day are things that bring joy to my life and a smile on my face after many prayers, tears, and days of longing for this moment.

I am trying very hard to NOT take any moment for granted as they go too fast and are too precious! I am also trying to look at each situation that may be stressful in a more positive attitude.

Like when Isaac had his first blowout in Target and I was quickly reminded of how explosive those poops can be and how easily that situation can warrant tears I laughed instead.

As I am waiting for the changing table to be available to change him in the bathroom, and he is crying I just laugh. When it is finally my turn to use the changing station and I peel off his poopy pants only to realize that I was deceived by the small stain on the outside and amazed at the amount of poop down his entire leg and up his back: I laugh.

When I am struggling to keep his feet out of the poop, keep the rest of his clothes from getting poop all over, and he is screaming pretty loudly: I laugh. When not just one, but 5 people ask me if this is my first child (since I apparently didn't look as though I knew what I was doing): I laugh. When I realize that the only outfit I have in the diaper bag for him is already too small and I can hardly get it on him: I laugh. When my milk is letting down from his crying and I can feel myself leaking onto my shirt because my nursing pads have moved and I can't do anything about it because I have poop all over my hands: I laugh.

When a few women ask if I need help: I laugh. When I am crying because I have been laughing so hard and probably peed my pants a little bit: I laugh some more. When it is finally over I find myself thanking God for Isaac and for fun memories like blowouts in Target. I also smile as I remember that I wasn't laughing when Jonah or Elijah did that!

I pray you are able to laugh today when you may feel like crying.

Just in case you forgot how cute Isaac is...

here is a little reminder!