Is my coffee done yet?
Rich reminded me this morning that it was Friday. I had forgotten the day of the week.
I have also forgotten how time-consuming a newborn is. This week has been a good week, but with sleep deprivation my emotions are sometimes up and down like a roller coaster.
For instance, the first thing I did this morning as I got out of bed, was cry. I went to bed last night at 9:30 and probably fell asleep about 10. Seth woke up at 12:20, and after taking care of him and going back to bed I probably fell back to sleep around 1:15. Then, he woke up again at 3:30. After that feeding, it took a little longer to get him back to sleep so I wasn’t able to fall back to sleep in my own bed until about 5. . .Rich’s alarm soon went off and he was in our room/bathroom getting ready for work. He left at about 6 and I got out of bed crying (and praying!) because I knew there was no chance that I could get any more sleep. I was crying and counting on my fingers how many hours I would have to get through until Rich came back home again (12). Then, I tried counting how many hours of sleep I got. There was too much adding and subtracting in that problem. Math in the morning is never a good idea for me. 
So, my emotions were down but soon they were up again. When Seth woke up this morning at about 6:15, I was instantly cooing over him and kissing his cheeks, and walking him around a little, he surprised me once again with how incredibly CUTE he is. . . .my tears soon went away as I fussed over my baby, changing his diaper, feeding him again, holding his little warm body close to my own. Enjoying the 45 minutes of time with him before the rest of the kids got up.
See what I mean about a roller coaster?
I love having so many children, because once they are up in the morning I have a hard time concentrating on my own issues. I laugh at the things they say. For instance, Jacob made himself some hashbrowns this morning. They were the frozen kind that you have to fry in a skillet on the stovetop. It was the first time he made them, and as he and Ethan sat together at the table eating their hashbrowns and eggs, Jacob sighed and said, “These would have been much better if a PROFESSIONAL had made them, like Mom. For instance, as you can see, these hashbrowns are about 5 different colors, including black.” My attempts to cheerfully tell him how good they looked, “. . .so nice and crispy!” . . . .did not convince him that they were satisfactory.
Caleb just said to me from across the room, “I’m picking my nose, and…..it’s starting to be better.” Then he went back to humming a song. (He scraped the bridge his nose this week and there’s a scab that I keep telling him NOT TO TOUCH.) I think he felt a little guilty and needed to tell me that he picked it again. “My boo-boo is getting smaller!” was what he said next (smaller b/c the scab is smaller?) 
Grace made herself eggs this morning and then came to me and said very quietly (I can’t hardly ever hear her when she talks). . . .“I think I’m sick.” You’re SICK? “well, I’m not going to throw up but I don’t think I can eat my eggs because when I tried to eat them I started to throw up.” What? I don’t understand what you are saying. Are you sick or aren’t you? “I think I am. My stomach hurts.” She went to bed sick for about 15 minutes and then she was back up, too bored and not sick enough to want to stay there. She is now playing Army with Jacob and Ethan. She’s the cook. Jacob is back into playing Army men rather than legos. I never thought he’d get over the lego phase but he did. It’s now nothing but Army guys.
So, back to what I was saying. A newborn baby is a full time job. Now that Caleb (my old baby) is all but ignored by his Mama, he is best friends with Davy-do instead. And I’ll tell you, there is no end to the things they come up with. It’s cute so far, all the talking they do with each other and all the running around. Caleb came to me yesterday and said, “Where’s DAVID?” “He’s at school, Caleb.” “I want him to come home so he can play with me.” Precious.
I took this picture yesterday:
David plus Caleb, a fun combination.
See that strip of wood that runs down the left hand side? They love to let cars go at the top of the stairs. The cars go flying and then crash onto the tile floor at the bottom of the stairs. They also love to say, “SUPER FAST!!” and then slide on their bottoms down the stairs like you see in the picture.
I had to keep getting them out of the bathroom yesterday, too. I kept finding them locked in together, washing match box cars in the sink. Perfectly CLEAN cars were getting washed over and over and my new bottle of liquid hand soap was used all up.
I also caught them warming up broccoli in the microwave. David got it out of the fridge and put it in the microwave himself. Then they got on the counter to wait. Ido not know how Caleb got up there.
David considered, and decided it was done.
Once it was cooked to their satisfaction, David said to Caleb, “You stay there, I’ll go get us FORKS.” And then they snacked together….and when they were done guess what they did? Yep. They had a wild “fork fight” that I quickly put an end to.
I’m secretly quite pleased, that they both love broccoli.
I have also been dealing with sickness. Thankfully I personally am not sick. But, Jacob had the stomach bug this week. This week was also included “Days of Ethan’s Mysterious Rash”. With being exhausted, coupled with the mama bear instinct of wanting to protect a newborn, th
ese sicknesses were enough to make me panic. Ethan, poor boy, must have had some kind of allergic reaction because for 2 nights and an entire day he was suffering from terrible itch and terrible rash. The mysterious part was that it started on his face and traveled down his body, clearing up as it went along. It was terribly itchy but he had no other symptoms. I was busy looking up rashes in my child care book and online, and filling my mind with hundreds of horrible things it could possibly be. Rich kept telling me I was over-reacting and that it was nothing. I was imagining my children all coming down with some strange unusual disease that would take the life of my newborn baby. Is that horrible or what? Thankfully Ethan was better in 24 hours and woke up yesterday on his birthday all better. And I assure you, his smile was bright. It took me a few hours to believe him, and to believe that Jacob and Grace were not getting it. I kept jumping up to check behind their ears and asking them if they were itchy.
Did you ever notice, when you think about itches, you begin to itch? I bet you’re itching something right now.
And now I expect Grace is coming down with the stomach bug which means the last one to get it will be David.
Other random photos:
Seth is starting to notice the toys that dangle over his lamb swing:
Next is Ethan, with his cake. Although I was a big grump by the end of the day yesterday, I still managed to take a picture and think sentimental thoughts about how wonderful birthdays are, with brothers and a sister to share them.
I don’t know if you can see, but I am in the mirror in the background. I have Seth up on my shoulder, which I had forgotten until I saw the photo this morning. It makes me laugh, how many things we mamas do with a baby in our arms. The only thing I can’t do, is type. If you get a comment from me on your blog that looks funny (no capital letters, and funky abbreviations) it’s b/c Seth is in my arms.
The cake? It was an ice cream cake, and it was good.
Now we will talk about the weather. It is mild outside this morning, and tomorrow we are supposed to have a high of 60 degrees.
We still have a snow cover on the yard but the boys are enjoying the milder temperatures. I took these pictures about an hour ago:
This picture makes me laugh.
My handsome boys, getting ready for battle.
Next picture is of Seth, this morning. The outfit is a little large. His feet don’t stay where they are supposed to.
He loves his pacifier (we call them suckies at our house) and I don’t know what I would do without it. It makes him happy when nothing else works.
Well, that’s about it here. It’s after 10 and I still need to get dressed. But, I needed to sit here and write more than I needed to be clean. Blogging was the priority! So, now it’s time to shower and I hope I can do that before Seth wakes up again.
Before I go, I wanted to share a quote. I’ve been reading the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, (updated in today’s English) and my heart was so thrilled and lifted up as I read this about GOD. Any trial, any trouble, anything in this world, seems so much smaller as I soak in these truths:
There is but one, and only one, living and true God.
He is self-existent and infinite in His being and His perfections.
None but He can comprehend or understand His essence.
He is pure spirit, invisible, and without body, parts, or the changeable feelings of man. (isn’t that comforting?)
He alone possesses immortality, and dwells amid the light insufferably bright to mortal men.
He never changes.
He is great beyond all our conceptions, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty and infinite.
His is most holy, wise, free and absolute.
All that He does is the out-working of His changeless, righteous will, and for His own glory.
He is most loving, gracious, merciful and compassionate.
He abounds in goodness and truth.
He forgives iniquity, transgression and sin.
He rewards those who seek Him diligently.
But He hates sin.
He will not overlook guilt or spare the guilty, and he is perfectly just in executing judgement.
God is all-sufficient, and all life, glory, goodness and blessedness are found in Him and in Him alone.
He does not stand in need of any of the creatures that He has made, nor does He derive any part of His glory from them. On the contrary, He manifests His own glory in and by them.
He is the fountain-head of all being, and the origin, channel and the end of all things.
Over all His creatures He is sovereign. He uses them as He please, and does for them or to them all that He wills.
His sight penetrates to the heart of all things.
His knowledge is infinite and infallible.
No single thing is to Him at risk or uncertain, for He is not dependent upon created things.
In all His decisions, doings and demands He is most holy.
Angels and men owe to Him as their creator all worship, service and obedience, and whatever else He may require at their hands.
Beautiful words, comforting promises, wouldn’t you agree?
seth woke up must go 4 now……..have a grt day!
luv, s
Good to be Home 
Good morning, Shanda. Blessed day to you as you rest in Him and His unending power to see you through your day.
What a wonderful post. really enjoyed the sweet pictures today.
You’re so right- there are many things that we do with babies in our arms and don’t take a second thought about it! 🙂 Those are the precious days…the days when nothing matters (mopping, toilet scrubbing…and sometimes not even cooking!) but holding our little ones and surviving the first few months of adjusting to a new babe. Kind of like the first few weeks after getting married…..the world could blow up- but your so in love that it wouldn’t matter! (grin)The pictures are nice- and it amazing the transitions in the sibling relationships after new babies come. 🙂
Im curious if Ethan had a stomach virus earlier? Back when we were having a bunch of that, a couple weeks later, Anna came down with a really itchy rash…she ended up getting something for it, but they thought it was an allergic reaction to something. I later heard of some more people who came down with mysterious rashes after being sick earlier….?? strange. Don’t know if there was a connection or not. I wondered if it weakened her immune system enough that she reacted to something else?? And I totally understand the worry part, Im the same way, so you can imagine what was going through my head recently when Steve was in the hospital with a knee infection….=O
Hope you have a great day!
I hear you on the sleep issues, I am not exaggerating when I say that I have not had one good night’s sleep since Lee was born, and only a handful for the 9 months I was pregnant, and before that…well, T and I were finishing our final semesters of school and T was very sick, so not much then, either! If only I wasn’t perpetually exhausted and struggle to function this way, I would just give up on sleeping altogether. I am in bed maybe 6 or 7 hours on average every night, but that is IN BED, the sleep I get during that time is 4-5 hours maybe, and it is always broken up too. And I am one of those people who always needed a lot of sleep, my mom said I napped until I was 8 or 9 years old!Enough of my self-centered rant. I am just tired of being tired.These pictures are GREAT, I love the ones of you and your little Seth in your coordinated green pajamas! Yes, it is AWESOME how Davy and Caleb enjoy their broccoli, you should be very pleased! You are so right about how the presence of children helps to take our minds off ourselves, what a blessing they are. I am praying for you, though, that your family will be completely well soon and that God would protect little Seth from sickness. Above all, take care of yourself, Shanda! ❤ ❤ ❤
I love the glimpse into your home. I can hear the giggling of Caleb and David as they break into the BROCCOLI of all things! Seth is definitely growing…that is the fruit of your endless labor. Waking up in the night, changing the diapers, making sure that little boy has a full belly. You’re still doing good, Shan. Hugs to you my friend.
Hi Shanda! It sounds like in spite of the sleep deprivation and all the busyness and the sickness, you are still a beautiful, loving person. It’s only almost 10:00 here as I type, but I know you have quite a bit of day left before your Rich gets home. So, I will pray that the Lord’s amazing love and strength will float you through. Keep capturing the funny, cute, adorable things your children do and say and listen to your favorite music, if you aren’t already! Do your boys like brussel sprouts, too? love, Gail
This is a great post. I loved all the tidbits from your morning. Glad to see that Seth likes his pacifier as much as Lucy–they even like the same brand! 🙂 Hugs from Oklahoma!
We used to slide down my grandparents’ stairs like that when I was a little girl ~ after awhile, Grandma would ask us to stop. But if we slid down the banister, we got in trouble!
Aww, you and Seth look so sweet together…and you are right…he is sooo CUTE! I feel for you with the sleep, keep trying to get some, especially on the weekends when Rich can help you. Hardest part of a newborn is the sleep issues. A friend had some sleep problems and all the mommies were the ones that prayed fervently for him, they understood! I love all the tidbits you share…you will be happy to have them written down. Things like Jacob’s comment. That was priceless. Nice to be recognized as a professional!My David has been itchy, but it is poison oak from camping! Uh, he has been pretty good about taking care of it himself, I can only offer sympathy and look at all the red itchy spots. Two of three of my boys seem to get it, I don’t know if it is that they are the ones that run through everything, or that they are more allergic to it. Probably some of both! Hopefully being last in the lineup Grace will not be too sick. Caleb and Davy are so fun. It is great to be able to turn stairs into a fun ride. They look just like they are on a roller coaster. Wow, Broccoli, LOL. All that snow…the big boys are getting so big! I bet having snow wars is so fun for them. Love the cake photo with you in the back!God is so good! Praying for you, Jenny
It is good to write and good to hear from you. Praying for health and healing to come to your home.
I used to slide down the steps like that…although, we got smart and used pillows, so we didn’t get rug burn on the back of our legs….then we grabbed the baby crib mattress, and that worked quite well…I DO wonder how Caleb DID get up there…
So, did you get your shower or not before Seth woke up?? Thank you for taking the time to blog this morning. I think the emotional roller coaster is fairly normal at this stage, and lack of sleep is definitely a contributor. I love the quotes you shared from your kids! Tell Jacob I would eat his hashbrowns- I like mine crispy! I can’t imagine any of my children speaking so quietly that I would have trouble hearing them. Love all the pictures! Have a wonderful day, my friend, and try to get a nap!!
That is so sweet about Caleb & David. They look so cute together sitting up there:) I hope today goes well for you & you can at least get a nap in, or in bed early tonight. At least you have Rich coming home early today:) That cake of Ethan’s looks so nice!! I love ice cream cake. Hoping you have a wonderful weekend!! It’s supposed to be 65 here on Sunday!
I have no clue how you blog the way you do with your kiddoes. I’m glad you do though!
We definately live in the world of multitasking as moms:). Love the picture of you taking a picture and holding the baby. I sorta forget what it is like not to have “help” with everything I do. (takes twice as long, but they are learning). You are a great mom. Your hours are long, but you seem to be coping through it all.
The conversations/play between the little boys is great. I love to hear mine conversing and playing.
Have a blessed day.
I love reading about your adventures as a mama. I am glad you are not loosing it! I have been thinking about you and praying for peace for you. I love how Seth rests on your shoulder while you do things. Keep up the good work! Have a great weekend.
thanks Shanda for the super long post..i think you got just about every emotion out of me that time..(boy did you ever.) it may be time to up my meds…..
excuse me while i go get some tissue…
praying for rest of the soul and body ~ I so know the feelings you write of – always takes some getting use to when the new one arrives, though, as you say – it’s all grand at the same time. Such is life ~ I’ve been somewhat overwhelmed thinking of adding a new born to the mix of three schooled and three somewhat toddlers and if I think of it, it makes me think NO WAY! possible. but ONe moment at a time it is very much possible and thank God He is in our moments. I’ve a gift coming your way and need to get your address once more…blessingsAlyssa
I think Caleb pulled out some drawers and used them as steps. That’s what I used to do! I hope you have a chance for a nap now and them. Hopefully your little guy will be going longer in between feedings soon. Every momma remembers that perpetually exhausted feeling. I’m praying for you.
Your family is precious! The pictures and stories made me chuckle.
I just laughed when you said you had no idea how Caleb got up on the counter! How I wish my Bri had had a brother or sister to play with.As for middle of the night feedings…I still vividly see those little, dark blue, wide awake eyes looking up at me after nursing and having to walk up and down the hallway and around the living room till she fell back asleep. Would I ever get a full night’s rest again? Grateful now, I love going in to say a prayer over her and give her a kiss goodnight…now she is the one who wakes early and has hot tea waiting for me when I get up in the morning.
I so enjoy reading your posts. What precious kiddos – I like the snow “battle” picture. I hope you’re able to squeeze in a nap today. Have a great weekend.
dnt wrry i undstnd babyinarms typng. (Don’t worry I understand baby in arms typing) 😉 Been there, done that. :)Your pictures are wonderful. Hang in there, you will catch up on your sleep sooner than you think. Just remember that the first time he sleeps through the night its OK and there’s nothing wrong. Can you tell I wanted to wake mine up just to be sure? lolbig hugs sweetie. You have a very full (wonderfully full) plate right now. Besides, showers (for newborn moms) are over-rated. 😉
Man, I can’t believe David and the broccoli…I would be a nervous wreck if my kids climbed the counters like that LOL The pictures are too cute, Seth is already changing…what a cutie. 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend. Love, Trish
I’ve heard of kids helping themselves to cookies… but never broccoli! The pic of the boys going down the stairs is adorable – love the look of delight on their faces!
I love the picture of the boys sliding down the stairs — our daughter used to do that only she always did it on her belly head first!! Such a lady!! Enjoy this time in your life — it goes so fast! Seth is getting so big — he looks so sweet in his little turtle outfit! Your two older boys look like they’ve grown inches every time you post new pictures. (<:
this post made me laugh so hard. . .you are funny, even when you’re exhausted and sleep-deprived. you’re a wonderful mother, and your kids are hilarious and your baby is so absolutely adorable. . .:)
That quote is amazing! Thank you for sharing that. I have a feeling that I will come back to this post and read it again. It is great! We have a great God. I enjoyed reading about your normal life, Shan. It was real and transparent–refreshing! I love you and I can’t wait to come and see you!
Superfriend –
No joke, this is the best post I think you have ever written! Great writing!
I had so much to say, but I can’t even think of it all now. So, GREAT JOB!
Loves!
Your days sound like mine and, right now, I only have 3 at home to get into broccoli and slide toys down ramps!I don’t know if you found this tidbit while looking on the Internet about rashes: Many viruses can cause produce a rash. Lots of little red pinhead size dots – more profuse on the abdomen, but appearing everywhere. AND, they *are* itchy. Usually children get the rash, but I had it a couple of years ago and wasn’t taking any new medicine while sick. The itchiness was almost unbearable until I got a prescription (either antihistamine or tranquilizer – can’t remember which) that cleared them up in a day and a half.I still ADORE that table of yours!!!; AS WELL AS, every word of your post. Isn’t purging good??!! LOLAs always, big hugs to you, Shanda!
It’s so cool to read a real momma struggles and trials and how God brings her through even the day-to-day ones! I enjoyed reading about David and Caleb and their broccoli-yeah for them eating their veggies 🙂
I LOVE the broccoli story 🙂
Thanks for sharing from that confession of faith and stories from your family. They always either make me smile or cry!
oh my goodness! seeing the boys scooting down the steps on their bottoms brings back memories… my brother and I used to love doing that!!!all the pictures are so great. I can always count on a smile when I visit here~loves. <3ps. I’m feeling itchy all of a sudden. lol.