There as I made the cookies……..
and there to keep me company as I rested.
He found a cozy spot and stayed for a while, uninvited, but I didn’t mind. He kept reassuring me, “I won’t hurt your baby belly!”
I kissed his foot a few times. Ethan took the pictures.
As much as I love having new babies, there’s always something a little sad and sentimental that tugs at my heart when I prepare to say “good bye” to the “old” baby. Caleb has been a constant, deep joy to me for the past 3 and a half years. When his baby brother is born things will be different….better of course, but different. I’m sure I’m not the only mom to go through these feelings.
I hope everyone “out there” is having a good day. We’re doing fine here. Jacob was sick all night and couldn’t sleep but seems to be getting better today, an encouraging sign was when he started talking again….as I made the cookies he talked and talked about outer space. My back was turned to him and I was smiling as I twisted the dough for candy cane cookies, smiling to be a listening ear for him.
Grace and Jacob are both persuading Ethan, and claiming his allowance to “help” save up for the things THEY want….Jacob wants a lego set and Grace wants a new cat. Ethan’s sweet temperament and willingness to help makes him an open wallet apparently? I sense an opportunity for a life-lesson coming (for all three of them).
David had music class at school and came home wanting to sing to me. He is banished from my room today, for making a mess in here yesterday and not cleaning it up. My collection of art work from him keeps growing. It’s getting quite funny. (It’s the “MOM” written on each one that gets me, although one of them had the MOM crossed out and ETHAN written on it instead).
We are expecting a winter storm tomorrow afternoon. I think David’s teacher is anticipating a snow day because she sent his Friday homework folder home with him. We’ll see if she’s right.
Ethan memorized two poems today…both about trees. He copied them down in his journal, and added a picture of himself, one that I took two years ago of him standing in the forest.
Oh! And I ordered that Rosie train that Caleb had mentioned the other day…..I got an email from Barnes and Noble offering me 25% off any one item and free shipping in time for Christmas (if I spent a certain amount). So I bought the train and a couple things for Jacob’s birthday, which is the 31st.
As for me, I am about to go make some hot tea and crash on the couch. The children are all in their rooms. Caleb still naps and the other ones know that this is quiet time. I’ll have a good hour or so to recharge. After rest time begins official “waiting impatiently ’til Daddy gets home time” during which I look at the clock way more than usual. 
One week ’til Christmas!
Love, Shanda
Good to be Home 
Hoping you have a nice cozy snowy day tomorrow! I am hoping we get hit!
So cute! My sis just had her second baby yesterday and described her bittersweet feelings of the “old” baby. She spent all day playing play doh with her first the day before her induction, just enjoying her last day alone with her.
I have a cozy day planned, as well. At least if you don’t count laundry! That’s an everyday occurrence around here!”Baby belly” – cute!Enjoy this time before your hubby returns and the winter storm arrives!
Lucy and I are about to take a nap. The other kids have been down for over an hour, but not us! I’m hoping to get a little rest. We have another Christmas party tonight, but this one is informal and cozy (my favorite kind!). There’ll be caroling, lots of food, friends, and a fire, I hope! 🙂 Wishing you a warm, restful afternoon. Do you need a good book to read to occupy you until Rich comes home??? I’ll be thinking of some titles…
Those pictures are just brilliant. Baby belly care is important for a soon-to-be big brother, who is still, for the moment, the baby to be enjoyed. Yes, I experienced that as well. It is part of the treasure of the time. I just took a nap to!!!!!!!! But I am in the office! (it was just a tiny cat nap). Hope that it is a pretty storm.
That sounds like a wonderful day! I’m sure Caleb will be so excited to see Rosie:) I know what you mean about having another baby with the youngest around. I felt the same way with my 2 older ones. The belly pics are so cute. How sweet of him to say that! Enjoy your tea & relax time. My kids & I are on watch the clock for Daddy mode to.
Your son and the cookies are soo cute!
If I don’t stop by here before Christmas, I just want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Your posts always bring Christ into my heart and for that continued gift I am ever grateful. I wish I could give to you a small amount of what you give to me. Many, many blessings to you and your family today and always.
your posts ALWAYS make me smile Or tear up:):)
I wrote a similar post today. In the midst of the business of life there are a lot of little things to be joyful about.
I know what you mean about the sad feeling for the “old” baby. I have that too and still do for my 20 month old who had to be an older sister already. Not that it’s terrible or anything just….well…sad somehow. I’m trying to make sure she does not feel “abandoned” now that there is a younger one wanting my attention.
Shanda….I love you blog!!
I channelled my “inner Superfriend” today and had a friend over. She had suggested a Christmas party, but I turned it into a low-key get together with home-cooked goodies and warm smiles. I tried to make her feel as loved and comfortable as I always felt … when at your kitchen table.
your friend who misses you.
What a nice day! Your cookies look so nice!
Your little buddy is getting so big! It is nice to see the two of you on the couch. I really enjoy my snuggle time with Ryan too. Wow two months to go and the baby will be here. It all has gone by so fast. I like watching the progress on here! It looks like you had a fun filled day. My boys like to borrow money from older brother too. I usually put my foot down and say earn your own. (Brandon mows papas lawn) so we are learning about money here too. I hope you have a good weekend. Love Courtney
Cute cookies! I like your “twist” on the candycane cookies- I’ve only ever seen them made with red and white dough. Sometimes I feel like Jacob missed out on being my little buddy because Sarah was born so soon after he was. Sarah is definitely my “baby” though. She loves to be with mama!
Oh I love all of the children so much you are a great mother….I am so happy to know C is getting the train he wanted good job! The cookies look great~ love you….Amanda
your candy canes look so pretty…I never thought to use green. and good idea with the little round balls. cute pictures with Caleb~
Although I had just two children, I still know I had anxious moments about how Hannah was going to receive Abby, and how would a new baby fit in to our lives. I think Caleb is going to love being a big brother! He is so secure in your love and in his place that I don’t think he will have much trouble adjusting. Your cookies look so nice and colorful. I’m afraid most of mine are kind of boring. Maybe I should make some with red and green candies on them! Hope you all stay well and that you enjoy the weekend. I know you will love having your hubby home!
Oh sweet little Caleb, he was always the cute baby till all of a sudden I saw a little boy in your photos…it made me kinda sad he was growing up so fast…so I think I understand your mood and loving momma’s heart.
I just love when you post these things. It actually makes me feel calmer and more centered to see the peacefulness you and Rich cultivate in your home. I hope one day I can be able to raise children that are as considerate and kind as yours.
Such sweet times with your little guy. I know he will come along side mommy with the new baby…and love his own little buddy, just as Davy has. I agree with Mary, we have commented over here as we see Caleb turn into a little boy. I think you are so good at enjoying the momments with your children. They do go so fast.
I remember you telling me that when I was pregnant with Eti and I also remember you saying how big Jeff would seem to me after I brought the new itty bitty Eti home, it was so true!!!
It was fun to see more pictures of your cute belly!!