First, let me just say that my mother is amazing. She took a week out of her busy life after I had Lily to come and spend 24/7 in our little apartment taking care of and entertaining the boys, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and most importantly, keeping me sane. I'll admit the first couple days back home were stressful for me--more stressful than I even want to admit to myself. This was the first time I had ever experienced those strange "baby blue" emotions that everyone warns can accompany delivery. I was struggling to not panic with the thought of four little people depending on me, one of which was an infant that needed around the clock feeding and care. I think my mom could see the welling panic in my eyes and for the whole week slept on the couch in the family room with Lily so I could get sleep at night. It was amazing. I came out to feed the baby every 3-4 hours and then went into my room and closed the door while Mom held Lily if she woke up between feedings. I'm sure I got much more sleep during that week than my mom did. And I love her for it. Honestly, that sleep was what helped me break out of my "panic mode" and by the time my mom had to go home I was feeling like I had things under control. Mostly. :)
Mom isn't going to like this picture, but I treasure it--this is true love!
Mom isn't going to like this picture, but I treasure it--this is true love!
Mom, you are amazing! I don't know what I would have done without you.
The day we came home from the hospital, we had an unexpected visitor:
Glenn drove all the way down to visit for a couple hours and meet little Lily! Even Mom had no idea he was coming.
He's a natural! You can tell he's done this before. :)
It was fun to see him and so thoughtful for him to come down. We love you, Glenn!
The boys have all taken to Lily amazingly well. Better than expected. Lance is not usually too keen on babies and little kids (to be fair, they ARE noisy and take everyone's attention), but he has really stepped up with Lily. I'll often hear her crying and come into the room to comfort her only to see Lance has gotten there first and is cuddling her.
There is nothing sweeter than seeing you kids love on each other.
Snuggle time with Daddy:
Jude and Cole also love to hold Lily and while I love the enthusiasm, it does require some extra attention since they're both liable to try to pick her up themselves if I take too long to help.
Cole is so cute with Lily. He'll walk up to her several times a day and say "Love baby Lily." Precious boy.
Jude is hysterical--he will try to play with Lily anytime, whether she's asleep or awake. He'll talk in a baby voice to her, take her on rides around the house in her chair, and try to hold her as often as possible. One day George was carrying Lily to the car and Jude came up with a song: "Carrying my baby, his name is Lily!" (Jude struggles with his pronouns--apparently everyone is a boy in his mind.) George and I had a great laugh and now sing the song whenever we carry Lily around.
Jude is also especially adept at "moving" Lily. I'll come back into the room where Lily had been resting in her little chair only to find an empty chair. "Jude, where is Lily?" She could be anywhere--the couch, the chair, the floor, propped up on pillows, laying in a corner or even on top of the ottoman. The other day I walked in to see Jude holding Lily like a sack of potatoes--he had her literally over his shoulder with his one arm around her legs keeping her from falling. Yeah, this poor girl is going to grow up pretty tough--if she survives all the love from her brothers.
A few days after we came home from the hospital, this showed up on our doorstep:
A few days after we came home from the hospital, this showed up on our doorstep:
It was from Jen and Eric and it was incredible. It was delivered right around dinner time--I don't think any of us ate much dinner that night. :) Jude and Cole were just interested in the chocolate-covered strawberries and I finally had to restrict their intact since they'd eat only the chocolate and leave the strawberry. Stinkers.
We are still adjusting to having a new little person around. I had forgotten that it takes longer to get ready for anything, to load the car, to do things like make dinner or do laundry or that having a nursing baby that needs to eat every 2-3 hours during the day while juggling three other kids' needs can be a challenge. And how on earth do you unload the groceries from the car when you have a baby carrier, a 2-year-old that likes to run away instead of following you, and a 4 year old that fell asleep that all have to make it inside too and your apartment is across the parking lot and you have only two arms? Even finding the time and energy to read the big kids their bedtime stories can be difficult.
But this, this is so worth it.
(About 2 weeks old)
We are loving our beautiful little Lily and can't get enough of her!
And as far as the boys dealing with Mommy's attention being mostly on the baby these days? Let's just say I'm more grateful than ever for TVs, computers, and good friends!
