What a day for a daydream

Today, Mc and I ventured out on a Mommy/Daughter date- one of the last few before I lose my child to the confines of an all day school schedule. We headed to Color Me Mine to paint and of course the ceramic kitty was all that would suffice. Mc was WAY more interested in the sponges and the water bowls once the pink base coat adorned her cat,  but it was heart warming to have her give me a high five as we walked out and say, "We are a great team, Mom".

Lunch at Chic-Fil-A, a quick trip to Target (her favorite and mine) and it was a day that will go down in Kindergarten history. She was quite the showstopper with her braid- so many women came up and wanted to touch her hair (three at lunch, one at Target), asked how long it took, took pictures to figure out how to replicate it later,  and were surprised every time when I had to admit this was outside my realm of expertise (Alex, you're the shiz).

Sure love this little girl!

This is Mc's "waterfall" braid courtesy of the Bob Ross of braids..Alex. 

And later in the day,  mom for the win. Naptime for all the babies and "Unbroken" for me.

eavesdropping

As I wrote in my journal today, I stopped to really think about the fact that I am indeed old enough to have two children in school. It came as a bit of a shock for some reason. Three kids brings those kind of epitomic moments. This month has been a rough one. Call it the tinges of postpartum depression or call it your life as you round the corner to 33, but, I really feel that self assessment bug incessantly buzzing in my ear.

Enzo is almost 7 weeks old, we're looking to buy a new home, Mc is going to all day kindergarten, I have returned to church and responsibilities of a YW President, we are heading to Disneyland with a two month old in two weeks (for real?), K is having accidents almost every day, the ever generous meals have stopped and, the "disconnect" that comes from being out of the groove for almost two months hit me like a freight train.

Wednesday. Mark sits patiently as I complain about how I never get a "say" in where the Lord directs me (based on my calling). I know I meant to serve. I know that I was built up and sustained for that capacity but "when do I get to say when I am done or burned out? where I feel capable of serving? and who can I tell that my life is crazy right now except you?". All that spewed out as I ramped back up to go back to my first week of mutual since having the baby.

Thursday. My six week appointment was taking an eternity so in that moment of solitude, I silently prayed.

Saturday. I get an email from the bishop notifying me of some impending changes and then, a whole paragraph where the topic was centered on how I was feeling with all the changes/adjustments that a 3rd child brings. I felt like a moron. All along, the Lord had been listening. He was not unaware of my struggles. I sat back and thought about my loving Heavenly Father, just listening, like a concerned parent quietly observing and waiting for me to lay it all out. How quickly we forget that he wants nothing more than for us to be happy. Nothing more than to involve him in our struggles so that he can yet again, show us the way and bless us beyond what we deserve.

On our way to orthodontia.

Every morning for months, Mc has woken up and made the rounds to ALL of her teeth looking for the slightest wiggle which would mean she would soon have a visit from the Tooth Fairy. On Sunday morning she ran down and showed us that her "wish had finally come true" and one of her teeth was loose. The MASSIVE adult took was pushing its way up behind- in all its jagged and awkward hugeness. Monday, as eating became more difficult, I asked if she would let me pull it. Handy paper towel ready and the teensie pearly white was out.

The tooth fairy visited (Thanks Aish for the pillow and certificates!) and left $5 (one time only- for the first tooth), an electric toothbrush and a new purse. Mc now has a cute little whistle, along with her lisp, and now is finally ready to go to Kindergarten.

Start praying now that Mc got Mark's teeth ( in regards to no braces) and won't need the extensive Orthodontic work that I did!

one of 12

 At one month, Enzo is eating 3-4 ounces and sleeping 2-4 hours. He has come out of the "newborn coma" and is more awake and alert and LOVES to be held and talked to. I think he has found his smile (although they say that isn't possible) and will respond to my voice, Mark or the kids. His cheekies are getting chunky and we are able to fit in some 0-3 month clothes and size one diapers. Still not a fan of the carseat. Bath time at 10 PM means you will give us a good stretch of sleep in the night.

Daddy says you look like a "little bird" and sissy can't get enough of holding you (we are going through soap like it's water because she knows she, and everyone else, should be washing before touching, kissing or looking at you). Your little grunts and squeals are your trademark. Your eyes are blue, your hair is fading to blonde and your Williamson stature is undeniable.

First time meeting your cousin Brynlee- she called you baby "Rorenzo".

Just some sleepies with daddy.

postpartum musings

A third pregnancy really changes a lady. For me, this time was completely different in all facets. Sickness, body changes, back pain, delivery, and adjustments between a 5 and 3 year old (older kids, different schedules, different challenges). By this pregnancy I really thought I was seasoned in all things maternity. It really hit me this third go around how much of being pregnant, well all of it really, is based solely on what I can do- I am the only one to carry the baby, the only one to deliver. It's a solo effort that is sacredly given to me. As I sat telling Mark, "I can't do this" through those agonizing, unexpected contractions, it really hit me that no one was going to do this for me.  With that said, I felt with this pregnancy, I EARNED that badge of motherdom. What I mean, having delivered this child without the ease of medication, I was a part of the process. I felt this creature slip into the world and it was something I had never felt with my other two. I finally felt that I had arrived, not that one cannot with only one or two kids, but for me, this felt like I had accomplished what I was put here to do, and he is the perfect addition to the other two little people who call me Mom.

14 days

Week One: Two kids with fevers and coughs and an unhappy newborn with circumcision crankiness. Tired parents. Lots of meals, visitors and gifts of love and adoration for this sweet, newborn boy. Lots of laundry. Lots of adjusting. Lots of snuggles with this new little person.

Week Two: First bath. First signs that Kingston might actually like the baby. First time jumping off the diving board and learning to do a cannonball (Mc). First bottle prop (don't judge). First Dr Appointment- 8 lbs 2 ozs. First time leaving the house with all three kids.

We're going to make it after all. 

portraits.

While this picture will be one that will be turned into a canvas to hang on my wall....

This picture is just as precious. Mc has been drawing the baby in his crib, with his light up seahorse by his side, since we brought him home.