Monday, June 20, 2011

Occupied

Oh poor blog, oh, house, oh, details in life, oh, other children, you've all been so neglected. And really, this is the reason:


But seriously, how could you resist that face?  Anyhow, turns out that #4 isn't going to put up with being stuck in a bouncy seat or a corner somewhere, or sleeping half the day away while we carry on with all the details of our busy lives. Nope, being #4 I guess he came wanting to make sure to command some attention.  So he just likes things the way he likes them. And will only sleep being held. So if you come around our house, you may be put to use doing something like this:


I really have spent up to 6 hours a day holding this little guy. That is why you probably haven't heard from me much. But having gone through this three other times, I am realizing how fast these stages pass, and really, spending half your day holding a cute little baby certainly isn't the worst thing in the world.  It just seems to be a short term gain. I'm tired, he's tired. During nap time either I hold him and we all get some sleep or he cries and wakes up every 20 minutes and I fight and fight to get him back down.  So being held just keeps winning out.  And then he's well-rested and pleasant!





I never really even got around to blogging about the two trips my mom has made out here since the baby was  born, the one trip my sister made, or Ryan's trip to Ethiopia.  He did over 180 cataract surgeries in a week or less.  Amazing. Patients came from hundreds of miles away and just slept on the ground. He has some videos of taking bandages off for the first time from people who hadn't been able to see in years. It was pretty amazing. My mom and I did remarkably well with the kids and even managed to get out and have some fun. 














The first time she came back in March after the baby was born, she got in late at night and I wondered how the kids would feel waking up to her in our living room after not seeing her for months. When I came out of the bedroom that morning to this sight I realized I need not have worried.










And here was Grammy on parade in the halls with the crazies trying to burn off some energy.


And my cute sister who even had to spend her birthday with us.  Thanks to all the nice people who helped us out over the last few months. I haven't been very on top of things to thank you all, as you can tell!  

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

He indeed is very, very pleasant when he gets enough sleep, and we all now know how he gets it! Such a precious darling! Can't wait to see him again.

xoxocyh

AnnaMarie said...

Oh, he is just perfect, Jen! I love snugglers, and glad he is for you, though you might not get around to doing everything you'd like. I'm glad your family has been out to see you and help. Kids don't forget Grandma! Katie & Jane only see them once or twice a year, and they always know who is family. :)

Melanie said...

It looks to me like you have been very busy keeping everyone loved and happy! Job well done! The baby looks just like Ryan.
Keep up the good work.

Jess said...

I let my girls run off energy in our long hallways, too! During the long, WI winter, that is where we ride scooters :)

Chadlee said...

What a cute little angel. I love the matching jammies pic.

Anne Marie said...

Your mom is just lovely. She is seriously a super grandma! What a blessing for you. Your kiddos are just beautiful.

Lindsey said...

Three cheers for Grammy! I hope the back is holding up with all the baby holding. The matching pj's times four picture is awesome.

SuburbiaMom said...

They are all so cute in their little dinosaur jammies!! He's definitely a cute baby!

Sarah said...

He. is. SO. cute!!!! (and so big) Loved the pics with your cute mom, She's so wonderful. Darling kids jen

Jenilee said...

What a cutie! You are such a great mom.

Anonymous said...

You have a darling sister!

Anonymous said...

Such a cute post! I tried to comment a few days ago but couldn't get into my account! Can't wait until you guys come!

Julie

Tania said...

Watch out - my #4 insisted on being held while she slept and even though she is now FIVE, still will only sleep if she is within a few feet of me - the couch, the office floor, the living room chair, the dining room floor and most often our bed. She's just so darn cute and cuddly ...
Actually, in the night I am in so much of an exhausted comma I don't even notice her come and crawl in with us. We're hoping Kindergarten will tire her out and by this fall she may stay in her own bed all night :)