I'm not really sure what I'm blogging about tonight, nearly 7 months of sleep deprivation has my brain functioning at a minimal level (I hope my co-workers aren't reading this). Thankfully, changing diapers, nursing babies, making sandwiches, and folding laundry, which seem to take up the majority of my life right now, doesn't take a lot of smarts. I can't believe it but I am now the mother of a first grader, pictured below, oh how old I feel! She was so excited to go back to school and for the most part seems to love her time there. This is the first week of homework, so hopefully we will continue to keep the same positive attitude. We have had some rough afternoons, I think I'm catching glimpses of why people say girls are harder to raise. After many tears one afternoon (from both of us) I realized I can not do this mothering alone, in fact I fail miserably at times. Those eye-opening moments are so good for me, when I'm knocked down from my pride, only to realize my dependence on the Lord in every aspect of my life.
I wanted to show interest in her education so I dutifully (stupidly) packed up all 4 kids by myself and took them to a PTA meeting and Curriculum night. I get the wrong sensation sometimes at home that my children are actually manageable, when in reality, anywhere other than our home (and sometimes not even there) they are simply not, at least not when we are expected to sit, be quiet, and listen to a person talking. I should say that actually David was the only one tonight that I couldn't contain, the others were really good. He is soooooo 2.
This is his level. At home, no shirt, super-hero cape on, playing with "E-i" . Why in the world did I think he would have any consideration to the PTA president and what she has to say? She's not talking about candy, bikes, or Diego. I wont forget again. I will find a babysitter or stay home.
As for D's buddy, he was all ready for school too. He's going to preschool 3 days a week and loves it. I also started him in a little gymnastics program at the school one day a week. It was like the excitement at Disney World when I picked him up yesterday, he was in his element. There he was actually encouraged to jump off things!
I finally decided it was time to put D in a big boy bed, and move Eli in with him. Other than his nursery Eli has been sleeping in a girly room, with no complaints, but he was pretty stoked about this move. So far they're doing pretty well, D does wake up earlier but usually they stay up there giggling and playing for a little while before they come downstairs. It's cute, I love watching their relationship develop.
I had so much fun with the boys room that naturally I was ready to get the girl's room looking right. I went ahead and set up Mary Jo's bed, even though she only naps in it. I mainly just set it up so I could enjoy it. :)
As for my little buddy, I can't believe she's almost 7 months old! I took her last week for her appointment and she was a whopping 12 pounds, 14 ounces. Moved up to the 2nd percentile! I kind of like her being a squirt, she's definitely easier to carry around.
My grandma Nash gave this swing to Sadie when she was a baby and I think about her every time we put a new kid in there. As the others did, MJ loves it too.
Gotta love the sibling love. I'm sure MJ will drive her crazy one day so for now I'm cherishing these moments, while praying she doesn't drop her. When I was 16 I thought I knew it all, but now as the years go past I realize how much I truly have to learn. My education goals for the year are as follows:
Sadie - learn to read independently
Eli - learn his letters
D - learn to use the potty
MJ - learn to like food and sleeping through the night
Me- learn patience, true dependence on the Lord
Steven - learn to rest (he works so hard, for which I am truly thankful)....and maybe to cook a little. :)
Goodnight! Learn well, everyone.
