Most of you with children know the first several weeks after having a baby you are operating in survival mode. I'm in that mode. Thankfully, this survival mode has been less dramatic than that after Grant's birth. Let's face it, Grant was a handful. My biggest struggle was his extreme fussiness, especially in the carseat. Kate has avoided that extreme fussiness. I am thankful. Very, very thankful. This go round my survival mode is more geared toward Hannah and Grant. I am scraping by with focusing on them. If I get them dressed and Grant's morning diaper changed BY lunchtime, it's a good day. A day ago, after Grant's AFTERNOON nap I realized I hadn't changed his diaper ALL day. The dramatic sagging reminded me that, yes, his diaper was full. Extremely full. Poor guy. Due to survival mode there has been much fighting between the two. They're bored. Hannah reminded me the other day "we've got to get back to schooltime." Oh how I want to. I long for a state of normal and for some structure for their little lives. But, the pieces of our fragmented days are slowly coming back together. I've finally got a workable plan to stay on top of our ever increasing laundry. I'm back to cooking supper. We're back to our weekly grocery store visits. Our days resemble a bit of normal. Part of the puzzle I desperately want to try to reincorporate are organized activities with Hannah and Grant. It's not school time but it's what will have to work for now. I'm trying to find something simple to do with them a few times a week. A couple of weeks ago we glued these pasta pieces over the first letters of their names. It was a hit. Best part: it kept them out of trouble for a good thirty minutes. Hopefully by the first of the year I can reincorporate "school time." I've seen some great ideas that I want to use. But for now, I'm still operating in survival mode. And I'm learning to be okay with that.
5 comments:
Jessica...I almost called you today to tell you one simple thing: "You're doing a GREAT job!" you are a wonderful mom & I know you love the Lord and love your children very much. They are blessed to have you. I'm not just saying that. I pray for your heart to be content (that's my daily prayer) in the chaos and embrace the difficulty as an opportunity to trust the Lord in a new way. Run to Jesus. Love you!
THANK YOU COURTNEY!
Hang in there! I know you are going to get it all figured out (you have to bc I am going to be calling you in a few weeks when I am freaking out!!!) No really, you are doing a fantastic job!
How do your kids do with play dough??? Micah has started doing it while I cook dinner...it helps ALOT, seeing as how I slung hot potatoes all over us the other night!
Jessica, you know from being in Bible study with me and my prayer requests that I am a mom who struggles with getting to all of the good things I want to get to with my kids, so I understand. But God has reminded me this week that He is able to accomplish the things He has for them, that it doesn't all rest on our shoulders. You are loving your kids, you are teaching them to turn to the Lord for everything. They will find all that they need in that example, and He is faithful!! You are a wonderful Mom !!!
You always seem to do such creative and fun things! The kids will never remember this time and you will get back to normal life before you know it!! I love seeing your ideas-I need to do more like the noodle project with Colton, but I don't think of it.
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