Arms full of Love

Eleven years ago I entered the world of motherhood, and prepared as the first-born, first-time mom that I was about to become! I read the books, consulted the experts and committed to doing everything the "right" way.

My baby had a schedule. My baby was put to bed awake so he would learn to fall asleep without eating. My baby slept in his crib, in his own room.

And it was fine.

He was a happy baby, no harm done.

Fast forward eleven years to the present: now I can learn how to parent on youtube and pinterest. Week-by-week updates on my baby's development flood my inbox... and most of the time... I don't even bother to read them.

It's not that I feel wiser this time around. I by no means have all the answers! It's just that this time I simply don't care what the experts say.

Now my baby is in my arms constantly. He falls asleep with his head on my chest, and one tiny fist gripping the collar of my shirt. He has slept in my bedroom every single night, and I am savoring every soft sigh, every silent sleepy smile, every back-arching stretch.

If only I could freeze time. . . . because it just doesn't get any better than this.

It may not be "right" according to the books and the blogs, but it feels nothing short of perfect to me!

Sweet Babies of Mine

       Last year at this time, I was dreaming about our future babies ~ now I'm holding them, and my heart overflows. Last year at this time, we awaited a little girl and a little boy ~ now we have them, just not the way we expected.

      We longed for a little girl as young as possible; we wanted to cherish all the "firsts' ~ first tooth, first steps, first word, etc. Our sweet Desta came home at only 7 months ~ toothless and immobile. Our wish came true! I watched in wonder as she learned to crawl, tasted food, got her first two teeth in only one week, and took precious tottering steps. Every day she learns something new ~ how to wave, dance, drink out of a cup, speak. And every morning, my heart melts when I walk in her room and she greets me with bubbly smiles and shrieks of delight. The joy she brings our family is indescribable!

       Our son is a miracle we're still trying to comprehend! We knew we wanted a sibling close in age for Desta, but after a vasectomy (8 years ago), reverse vasectomy(2 years ago), and an Ethiopian application for adoption (1 year ago), we never expected to conceive! Honestly, Steve and I are still in shock over the positive pregnancy test ~ and our son is already 3 months old!

       Being pregnant at 33 was not something I'd ever envisioned. I'd been down that road twice, and felt like it was out of my system. Stretch marks, back pain, and labor I can do without! But cradling your newborn baby, just seconds after birth is a wonder that never diminishes. And now we get to treasure all the moments we missed with Desta ~ when he wraps his fist around my finger, curls up in a ball all snuggled up on my chest, and the first face-splitting smiles. Sigh.

     Now, life is a whirlwind ~ five children, a husband, a classroom of second graders! Mornings are a race against the clock to get lunches packed, hair done, nails trimmed, library books located, and nursing. Days are a see-saw of trying to balance teaching and nursing, evenings consist of homework (and nursing)! Our house is now full of push toys, board books and strollers ~ in addition to the Halo figures, Lego friends and soccer balls that already filled every empty space! Yes, it's a bit crazy, and sleep never really figures into the equation, but I LOVE every second.

      Last year, an empty crib offered promises of joy to come. Now, 5 precious children sleep peacefully in our overflowing bedrooms. Our dreams came true, and I'm going to spend my time loving on these 5 sweet babies of mine!

                                                                  Toys taking over  

                                                                Our little sunshine!

Our sweet blessing!

All 5 little angels!