Week 3 - What I've Learned

We have made it through three weeks as a family of 5. It has been wonderful and this week was full of "firsts" for Kinley and for me too! Great Pappy Richard became very sick this weekend and so Kinley made her first road trip with me to Lewistown to be with our family. She was such a trooper. I bundled her up in the baby wrap to take her into the nursing home and she slept soundly the entire time. A little later in the evening we made a quick stop at Mom-Mom and Pappy Landis' house which marked Kinley's first trip to their house.

First trip to Mom-Mom and Pappy's 9/11/11

Hanging out

The beginning of this week also meant that Earl had to return to work. We were all a little sad about it. Earl was in some ways ready to return but I think that he enjoyed his time at home too. Cooper was not happy that Daddy was working 11am-9pm and wouldn't be here this week to tuck him in as they had developed quite a little routine. I, of course, was a little weary of handling everyone on my own but I was feeling really good and ready for the challenge. It only took me a few days to realize a few things - some I knew, some were rude reminders.
Daddy leaving for work.

1. We will not be going anywhere quickly any time soon. I forgot how much preparation and planning goes into being out and about with a baby. From packing diaper bags and making bottles to making sure feedings are timed just right. Let's just say that to get the kids out the door by 8am means I start my day no later than 5:30am. Rude reminder #1.

2. Starting your day at 5:30am is tough when you're crawling in bed at around 4am. I will just say that being up all night with a baby and taking care of two kids and a house during the day brings with it a level of exhaustion I did not know existed. For a few days I was worried that I was coming down with something because I could not shake this dull ache in my head. Then I realized that the headache was the result of sleep deprevation. I'm just happy that Tuesday morning I found my way into and out of the grocery store and managed to drive home safely too!

3. For me, organizing three kids means that I have to always be thinking at least 10 steps ahead. While I'm unloading and reloading the dishwasher I'm thinking about how many bottles I'll need for the night, what time to start baths, who needs their lunch packed for the next day, etc., etc, etc.

4. I could not be happier. That's right. Even though I'm sleep deprived, stretched to my limits at times, learning to juggle the needs of three kids, late more often than I'd like - I'm not sure I've ever been happier. Having three kids has forced me to slow down, forced me to focus on each of my kids individually so that they all get time and attention from me. I am honestly having the time of my life.

I snapped this picture of Kinley on her 3 week birthday. As you can tell Kinley and Tucker have a rough life. Although I think Tucker's secretly jealous that he doesn't have a Mamaroo!