4 1/2 Days

My life has been so blessed. Full of family and friends, full of good things.

Elijah is 3 1/2 weeks old today. Except for an odd day here and there, I have had at least one other person here to help me 24/7. Spoiled. I'm truly spoiled. I have 4 1/2 more days of such bliss, and I intend to suck them dry as my next break won't come until Feast.
Between then are some big things... life with three kids, first and foremost. Tackling school plans for hbc this coming year. Continuing to unpack the house, as well as making it ours with decorations, pictures and some sort of landscaping... eh... eventually. :)

But for now I have 4 1/2 days more of holding and hugging and loving with little obligation to do much else. And I'm going to enjoy every minute.

One of Those Things

Today has been one of those i-have-a-little-girl-with-limitless-and-unstoppable-diarrhea-of-words kind of days.

Here's my favorite example.

AC: HannahBeth, I'm all done with words right now.
HB: why?
AC: I just need a few minutes with nobody talking to me please.
HB: are you wanting quiet?
AC: yes! Quiet!
HB: why do you need quiet? Is it because...
AC: Little One! Please, no more words for just a few minutes!
HB: but what about...
AC: stop! All done. Go play.
*HB stares at me for just a moment before taking the plastic bat and holding it against her chin and leaning closer to me*
HB: I have a loooooong red beard!

*Sigh*

Blessings Abounding

Yesterday my whole family of five went to church together. Thankfully our dear friends sat with us to help because HannahBeth and Joshua refused to nap, I was in and out probably 10 times, David had the sermonette, we were all exhausted by the end...

It was beautiful chaos.

Today David is alone with the big ones for double services this Pentecost. He gets the beautiful chaos. He just sent me a picture of our little boy playing with the "big boys". A great reminder that the blessings of this phase of life are fleeting, and are indeed fading from toddler mishaps to kid mishaps more and more every day. It makes me ever more thankful for our new Elijah who will let me remember the simplicity of baby problems for just a while more.

I stayed behind to rest after such a big outing with 2 week old Elijah yesterday. But our day here has still been blessed. Slow and quiet, relaxed and still, peaceful and sweet. It has been full of memories from two weeks ago as I finally reviewed pictures taken at the birth. Full of thoughtful time as we snuggled on the back porch and listened to morning services. Full of thankfulness as I knew the offering being given included a thank you for this special gift I held so tight. And full of love as we rest together in the quiet of a day at home alone.

I wish you all a peaceful remainder of your Pentecost and a newly kindled fire to your zeal as we enter the summer season.

Hands Full of Good Things

Our little Elijah made a safe entrance to the world just after midnight Sunday morning. He's adorable, wonderful, and very handsome.

HannahBeth and Joshua have embraced him wholeheartedly. Its been so much fun to watch them each interact with him and start the bonding process I had so hoped would happen.

However, the kids are starting to realize that he's not going anywhere. I think this little fact is putting a bit of stress into their little lives. They both want momma. Today I had all three of them balancing on my crowded lap and I couldn't help smiling among the pain of elbows, knees and feet.

I smiled mostly at the recollection of something I have tried to remember, something I hold dear as a lifeline when I feel like I'm  drowning as a young mother. Its a simple retort to those who, either good naturally or not, choose to say in your hardest moments, "well, you certainly have YOUR hands full!"

Yes, yes I do. Full of good things.

Thank you, God, for filling my hands with another amazing blessing. Help me to live up to the responsibilities You have seen fit to give me.