Day 99: A-Plane

I was feeling down this morning and then I had to take BB in for his two week check up where they told me that they wished he was gaining a little more weight. Normally, my kids are off the charts even at this early age, so this was a new experience for me. They said it's nothing to worry about, but what sleep-deprived, hormonal new mom isn't going to worry about their kid's weight gain?

And then we had to go to the pharmacy to pick up some items and get a prescription filled. I couldn't get the car seat to fit in the cart, so I was carrying it on one arm and my diaper bag and a shopping basket on the other. That didn't really leave any hands to control the other two kids, so they were running amok, grabbing everything off of the shelves. Needless to say, I was feeling a bit harried and stressed on top of feeling down.

And then Little M came running up past me with his arms stretched out wide, tilted at an angle: "Mom! I'm a a-plane!" (That's not quite how he pronounces it, but it's as close as I can get.) And somehow in that moment when I was feeling ready to break, Someone gave me a gift and helped me see the sweet innocence and joy my little boy was feeling in that moment. And I was able to smile a real, genuine smile and appreciate my child in his childishness.

And it was a tender, sweet Joyful Moment right there in the middle of CVS as we shared that smile together.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments provided by the tender mercy of the Lord.

Day 98: Daddy Cakes

Today was a rough day. It was another stressful, scary day for me as a mom as Sweet P underwent some more testing. Mostly it was stressful and scary because I'm still hormonal. I'm sure everything is fine.

Today's Joyful Moment came while sitting here trying to think of today's Joyful Moment. HH is upstairs with BB. BB has the hiccups for the 14 billionth time of his short time on earth so far. I'm sitting in the basement, but sound travels very well through our vents and I can here HH up there cooing to our little baby and it completely fills my heart with joy.

For one thing, it's just really adorable to listen to their interaction. For another, I'm so grateful to have married a man who is such an excellent father. It's no wonder the kids can't wait for him to get home each day.

I feel the same way.

Wishing you all adorable Joyful Moments!

Day 97: Photo Op

I happen to be lucky enough to have not one, but two friends who are excellent photographers. Actually, I think I have more than that, but these two asked if they could 'please' take photos of my baby.

Okay, fine.

Actually, it was a lot more enthusiastic of a response from me. More like, "Please do!!!"

And today was the big day. So, of course, he woke up with flaky, dry skin and one eye sealed shut with green goo from a clogged duct.

And he pooped all over my friend's white blanket while doing the nudey photos.

But these amazing girls worked around all of that and hid it pretty well. Well, they hid his dry skin and goopy eye. The blanket was done, though.

Anyway, watching all of that and anticipating these super cute photos was definitely today's Joyful Moment. I will share whenever I get the finished product!

Wishing you all picture perfect Joyful Moments!

Day 96: Carry Over

So, today was actually abundant with sweet Joyful Moments. At least this evening. I shared a Joyful Moment with each of my children.

But the Joyful Moment I want to share here is actually kind of from yesterday. Last night my m-i-l discovered a package on our doorstep. It was from my parents. It contained a gift for each of us from their recent trip to Egypt. Very fun.

But my true Joyful Moment came from the other item in the package. A beautiful, soft blanket for BB. Did I mention it's beautiful? And soft? Oh, so soft. I just love it. L-O-V-E. Love. Totally a Joyful Moment last night. And then I wrapped him in its softness this morning and he looked so precious in it. Joyful Moment today.

Lovely.

Thank you, Mom!!!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments from an awesome mama!

Day 95: Chillaxin'

So, last week I pretty much kept up with my normal routine (besides going to the gym, of course). I was afraid to get too far behind with the cleaning and the other tasks that go along with keeping house.

And now that my mother-in-law is here, I had been planning all of these different activities to do with her and the kids. And I figured it would be a good opportunity to continue to keep up with the housework because she can entertain them while I do it.

But then this morning I realized that she is only here for a short time and I'm exhausted. Okay, I didn't realize those this morning--I was already very aware of my exhaustion. But I really started thinking about it and about how the kids are happy just playing here with her and about the fact that taking one week off won't put our house in ruins. In fact, taking advantage of this time to rest might make it easier to keep up with everything going forward.

So... I'm giving myself the week off. I slept in and I took an afternoon nap. And I let my mother-in-law make most of dinner and do the clean up. And she made today wonderful for my kids. And I SO appreciate her for it.

I'm still exhausted, but giving myself permission to take a few days off was definitely a Joyful Moment. And I expect that as the week wears on, maybe, just maybe, I won't feel quite so tired. Maybe. (c:

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of giving yourself permission to do what's really best for you--even if it's a little selfish!

Day 94: Gramma

My mother-in-law came to visit last night. It's been so fun watching the kids play and interact with her all day. I'm very blessed to have in-laws that love and adore my children. As I've mentioned, I know the transition with a new baby has been rough on them even though they're handling it pretty well. I'm so grateful to have someone else here to give them the attention they miss from me.

Not to mention the fact that it's nice for me to have help.

Today Kayli said something along the lines of, "It's so fun having you here to play with us, Grandma!"

Joyful Moment.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments provided by someone else taking care of you and those you love!

Day 93: Okay

Today brought a lot of interaction with friends and neighbors. I had to take Sweet P around to a birthday party and then a play date and we had a few visitors at the house. And everyone kept asking how I am doing with the transition from two to three.

And today's Joyful Moment(s) came when I could honestly tell each of them that I am loving it. Not that it's been a breeze or anything--I'm just really enjoying our expanded family. And I'm doing okay. And for me, that's huge.

Sometimes I worry that this won't last and that eventually everything is going to come crashing down like it did after I had the other two. And based on my history, that's is very likely to happen. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy this time. I'm grateful to be able to so fully enjoy a newborn baby for once. And who knows? Maybe this time it will last.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of loving whatever life brings!