in the zone

So going from 2 to 3 kids has been quite an adjustment. I've always heard that going from 1 to 2 kids is the hardest. In our case, that didn't seem to be the case. When Owen was born, Lewis was still non-verbal, and it seemed like when he got some new toys a week later on his birthday, he was content to "play" while I had long feedings and I could easily manage the two of them on walks and that kind of thing.

Now with 3, it is virtually impossible for me to get anywhere on our own. Lewis has therapy at the hospital twice a week, and I went once with all three and it about killed me. Just getting in and out and through the parking lot about put me over the edge. Our boys do not have a concept of safety and while I try to instill that in them, they find it hilarious to run off into the danger zone and my nerves cannot handle it. We have set up a schedule now that allows for someone to be home with Owen while I go back and forth for these appointments, and I'm so grateful for the resources to do this.

The boys also like to fight with each other while I'm stuck nursing Phoebe. It is hard to get up and discipline them each time, so they are taking advantage of the situation. Now that Phoebe is sleeping a bit longer (5-7 hours depending on the night) I am functioning better and able to deal better with them when they need extra attention.

Still, it has been a big adjustment for all of us. We are enjoying Phoebe, and she is starting to coo, and even rolled over twice today (from belly to back) which surprised me at 6 weeks because the boys were both fairly behind developmentally. She is pretty active already and seems eager to move around.

All of this to say....I won't be going anywhere with the three of them by myself unless I am super desperate. We are so thankful for our providers (Aunt Beth, Mandy Guss, Krista Posey, Katrina Giannini and Aunt Ellen) who give us a break to blog and take great care of the kids so that we don't lose our minds. Lewis has had a rough adjustment to school being out, being a big brother and getting ready for kindergarten. He's been pretty clingy and keeps saying, "Mama is NOT gonna feed baby Phoebe" and things like that because he wants my attention. I welcome it because during the school year my time with him seems so limited. Still, it is hard to balance quality time with each of them. Thank God for the grace he gives and that it is not all up to me to raise these kids. In our case, in definitely takes a village!! :)

A few pics from the last week or so. We went to cousin Ryan's graduation party in Nashville and the boys got to swing with Aunt Monica.