Daily Routine

I am a routine lady. I like lists, post-it-notes, calendars, schedules and watches.  When I traveled in Kenya, they nicknamed me the Swahili word for clock: kuangalia.  I was the only person on my team who wore a watch! And then, I married Dan, who is notoriously late or tardy or in a rush... but THAT patience is a story for another post.

There are 12 or so waking hours here. I have to DO something with our time. School, library, outside play, inside play, food prep etc...I'm a planner, type A, whatever you call it. It makes me feel like myself to be this way; I don't thrive in chaos. I can't go to the store without a list. I get giddy about planners and calendars and magic erase boards.  I like to plan a week in advance what we eat. I'm not a 'fly by the seat of our pants' gal. So each day or week, I write out what we'll do and try to stick to it. I dont feel guilty if we don't, I just try harder the next day. Sometimes I only get the laundry put away. Sometimes I have to wait until 8pm to sweep or do other chores. If you'd like to read a blogger who said it better than I can. read this post.  I'll quote my favorite section:

"People love to tell new moms to slow down, to soak up those fleeting moments that don't last. This is great advice, and it's true. But after a few children, I've found that I can't follow it to the letter. When I let go of my busybody personality, I lose a little bit of my identity. When I can't check things off of my to-do list, I grow resentful towards the thing (or tiny baby) keeping me from the other things in my life and family and home."

Because I like a check list and a sense of 'accomplishment', I started the girls on a school schedule.  I plan to homeschool for a bit and also plan to put them in school too eventually. Maybe a co-op, maybe a shared school program, maybe something completely different. For now, we have school time, in their room, following a Letter of the Week curriculum and my modifications.  If we don't have school time and we just play inside or watch shows, I feel lost and the day seems to go on way longer than necessary. 

So, we head upstairs after breakfast and work on letters, counting, shapes, colors, writing, coloring, memorizing things (Pledge, Fruits of the Spirit, Lord's prayer, Bible Verses, The Constitution, etc ;) )
You know what? they LOVE it. Ari especially. She begs for 'more school time' and I try to find something fun for them to do over and over.  She's improved in listening and in writing and counting skills since we started 4 weeks ago. It is amazing, how quickly she learns!

And here's Noah along for the ride, sucking his thumb constantly!

Noah Daniel: 3 Months

This kid... such a stud muffin blessing.  Flying through the weeks with warp growth speed and making us smile every day.

He is eating and sleeping great! Most nights the whole time (such a reward after the two girls who never did well their first year). He sucks his thumb really sweet and likes to sleep on his tummy.

Not much to update! He is strong, adorable and fairly easy! 

Here's a dizzy video of him laughing!

1000 Things

 In the midst of the busy-ness of these three kids, it takes serious concentration to be grateful. I am working on a gratitude practice where I write 1000 things I am thankful/grateful for. Not generic things like: three healthy kids (tho I am very very grateful for that)...

 More specific and little things like: the way Ari can get Noah to smile and coo when they are lying on the floor playing. Or the way Ashlyn scoots her toosh onto your lap when she wants to read a book. 

 Or the way Ari argues with EVERYTHING and says "I just" or "I would really like to do this" instead of listening the first time. Frustrating? Yes, but significant in her personality of persistence, leadership and logical/critical thinking 

 Or when Noah is sorta gassy and he grunts and crawls up my torso trying to get the burp out. The higher he goes, the more I laugh.

 Or when Ashlyn smiles her crooked smile and says "Cheese". Her tender frizzy hair and the one curly lock in the back that seems to cascade longer than its kin.

Or Dan's hard working spirit coming in from a long day to crawl and wrestle and tackle the girls for 1 more hour before bedtime.  I love this crazy life we're living and I know it is a short season of stress that will be over soon... (at least a little tomorrow when the dishwasher will be fixed!) It is a tiring time, being home with three kids under 4 but it is where I am right now and I'm finding gratitude in the little moments.  Sure I feel lonely. Sure I feel exhausted. Yes I get so angry and irritable at the mess.  But there is so much love and the legacy we are building is unmatchable. 

Noah: 2 Months

Noah is two months already. (9 weeks!) I know, I know, I say it every time: it is so crazy how time flies. He really is growing fast and so well. His adaptation into our chaos has been smooth, fun and surprisingly easy. 

He is 13.5 lbs and 24.5 inches (90%) Growing so well and eating fast and sufficient.  His smiles are frequent which makes hard days easier and nights sweeter.  We love his seriousness too. I'd like to think he's trying to figure out where all the noise is coming from.  He makes the cutest 'thinking' face. 

 

(Above pic makes me laugh, I'm pretty sure that's his ka-pow kick that he perfected in the womb; early superhero defense practice)

He sleeps great (usually 8:30-3 and 3:30-7) and naps in the day well, especially if he's in the moby wrap.  He loves to be on his tummy for naptime and on his back for playtime with his sisters standing over him cooing and poking his belly button.  He coos and smiles and kicks with excitement when one of us is talking to him.  He loves to be held, bounced and walked around.  He is strong and holds his head up so well.   

Noah, we love you buddy. You are such a complete package of sweet and handsome.  We don't remember life without you in it and our love for you is immense.  You are a wonderful addition and we want your little years to go by slowly, as hard as each day seems.  Cuddling and holding you is precious time.  Grow slow, sweet one.


(*Pics by Katie Haller- thank you!)