In addition to my time being taken up by schoolwork, the various cleaning projects I've been doing that you've heard about in my other posts (by the way, I finally got Abby's room [which also serves as my nephew Stephen's room when he's here every other weekend and holidays] rearranged, decluttered and organized - hurray!), everyday cooking and cleaning, business paperwork, and my nephews being here for their spring break, Abby has been going through an exceptionally fussy phase for over a week now. We cannot figure out if something is actually wrong with her or if this is just some type of behavioral issue. She has no fever, she's over her cold, her sleep schedule is normal, and mylicon, oral gel and tylenol make no difference in her disposition. The only possible physical symptom she shows is that she has been occasionally sticking her finger onto the same side of her mouth. But she's got all the teeth she should have at this point, there are no signs of her second molars coming in yet (it would be VERY early anyway), and oral gel doesn't help. So, day in and day out, I deal with a fussy little girl who wants constant attention, gets upset at every little thing and whines, whines, whines. Thankfully, there are also many good moments that help me get my attitude back in check and not get so frustrated with her.
Adorable - just as her shirt says. =)
The daily routine of getting the mail with Daddy and then handing each piece to Mamma.
Bath time is always fun...yes, I still bathe Abby in an infant tub at the kitchen sink (it's way easier when I'm pregnant!) and, no, she doesn't normally wear barrettes during bath time but she loves the new barrettes her aunt Becky gave her and wanted me to put it right back in as soon as I finished washing her hair. =)
As I mentioned previously, my nephews are up from Oregon for their spring break. Abby especially loves all the extra time with Stephen (she calls him "Ste-see" - so cute!) and they have lots of fun playing together. I enjoy the extra help Stephen is with her and Kevin enjoys having a sidekick to help him with various boat projects. This week they've been working on modifying the boat trailer Kevin bought at an auction last week (yes, not only do we have a 36-foot charter boat in our backyard, we now also have extraordinarily large trailer in our side yard too!). Oh, and don't worry, we don't just work Stephen like a hired hand when he's up here - he puts in hours and hours playing on the computer and goofing off. =)
My nephew Ted got in on some of the action too.
Upper Left: Way cute train cake! Upper right: Abby "trying out" the sippy cups baby boy received.
Middle: the delicious food the ladies provided! Bottom: playing a shower game
The highlight gift of every baby shower at my church is a blanket. Each lady hand-embroiders a square and our very talented Tonya puts in altogether. The finished product is beautiful and certain to be a keepsake for each child. Each blanket has a unique theme and Tonya chose a transportation theme for our little boy.
It's hard to believe we've only a little more than one month to go before baby boy will join our family. I'm starting to get nervous at the prospect of caring for two little ones and juggling my other responsibilities as well. How will Abby adjust to a baby in the house? Will the baby's crying bother her at night and during naps? How will I ever get enough sleep? How will I deal with Abby during nursing sessions? What will I do when both Abby and the baby need me at the same time? What will it be like to have to change the diapers of two children every day? How will I remember to take everything that I'll need for a baby and a toddler with my when I leave the house....will I ever leave the house? What if I end up having another c-section with a difficult recovery and how will that affect me being able to care for two children? Will I ever finish my schooling? How will I deal with this baby arriving right at the start of Kevin's fishing season and having him gone for days at a time for the following 4-5 months? As the questions swirl about in my head, many times the only answer I can come up with is, "Thank goodness for Grandma!" =)
I am so thankful my mother lives close by and I know that I will be depending on her a lot in the next few months!
8 comments:
I have been missing your updates! You must be really busy. Your baby blanket is precious. We'll see if I finish the one I started before your boy turns 12. :(
Remember how freaked out you were before Abby? You managed to find a balance and you're a wonderful mother. You're gonna do great with 2! Just relax. (I know, easier said than done.)
Yes, I've missed you. The pictures of Abby are so darling. Mandy is going through a really clingy/whiny stage too. She wants to be held all the time.
As far as all your "how will I cope?" questions, I found with the addition of the second child that the things I thought would be hard weren't bad and things I never anticipated challenged me every day. You can do this!
I love the picture of her "trying out" baby brother's sippy cups. :o)
I'm having some of the same concerns as you are, (or similar) about when the next one comes. And it's like I'm on my own a lot of the time, since Rainer's gone all night and sleeping during the day.
But then I remind myself that if other moms have done it for years, I should be able to, right?
Sara-take it one day at a time! You are already a great mom to Abby and you're going to be a great mom to your little boy, too. And, if your mom and anyone else offers, let them help you! Praying God blesses you with extra patience, a safe and healthy delivery and wisdom. You will be fine! Call if you need anything.
just reading about all that you have been up to is making me tired- and im not even pregnant =). i am so excited you are nearing the end!! can't wait to meet this little guy- even if it is over the internet. i remember having all those same questions before i had ivana- somehow it just works out sweetly. thankfully! the feeling of having your cup full and overflowing is such a great one =)
glad you have your mom around too!
You are busy, but life seems good! I'm sorry Abby is in a fussy stage, but this too shall pass! I think you will be a great mommy of two! God is so good, and provides the grace we need to make it through each day! Keep up the good work!
Like the others have said, it will just work out :) You'll re adjust and get the hang of things. There are several questions we all get for carrying for another (and another ...!) but everyone grows and it all gets a little better. As for behavior..yup, she is right about that age where you have to be ON TOP OF IT! Dont wait till she is 2 to think you are in the "terrible twos" If you manage things well now that adjustment time goes much better! I remember recently Leah asking me what to do with Sollie when I reminder her when I asked the same question to her about Coleson back at that time of Coleson's life! haha! It's consistency, consistency! (and more spankings or whatever you are doing...) Being on top of it NOW! before baby comes will help with the first time obedience which is really crucial with another child on the way. Whinyness is just not accepted! Honestly, I am so glad Coleson will be just over 2!! ...the phase Abby is in is a hard one! Not that each phase doesnt have it's hardships...anyway...point being-it will all be fine, of course moms are great to have around just in case, too! :)
**ps. I cant believe you still bathe her in the baby tub!! :P Coleson stopped that right about 8 months or so..something like that. funny! I dont have to do much with him in the bath. He does just fine playing around and even loves to lather up! (with my last scrubbing before he gets out of course) How does she not make a big water mess in your kitchen! lol
I'm glad you fit a blog into your busy schedule. I enjoy checking on what you have been up to.
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