A funny thing happens when more children join the group you have...you really do begin forgetting yourself! I am so busy trying to please so many people, that I often times don't realize that I go entire days without eating, or drinking a cup of water! I remember thinking that some days were secretly 40 hours long, and would never end, but now it's 7 am one minute, and bed time the next! Don't get me wrong- a lot of days still feel like they're 40 hours long, but it's a busy 40 hours! Diapers, bottles, lunch, more diapers, more bottles, dinner! It's an endless cycle, and it's a tedious cycle! But, I have to remind myself, that someday they wont need me as much! I am helping to shape the lives of 4 little independent people!
Since it's been so long, I think an overload of pictures are necessary to help me remember how much happens in a day!
The toddlers have been really into helping lately! They were bringing in the laundry, and putting it in the hamper, laughing hysterically, saying "There."
Jacob is telling Annabelle "Let's jump, it's fun!" I say it's not so fun.
We have A LOT of tantrums. Jacob and Annabelle are the definition of toddler. And Justin can't handle the stress that comes with being Super. Poor kid.
It might look like she's happy, but she was actually pretty angry that I put her hand in the paint.
This past month has been crazy busy, as you can see. With Mother's Day approaching, I've been thinking about my short time as a mom, so far. What a journey, really. Though I only have one biological child, the children that I nanny are definitely loved like my own! Annabelle loves being around them, and is often bored on the days that we aren't with them. I love that Annabelle is growing up with older kiddos to look up to. She chases Julianna around all day, and Julianna often calls her "little sister!" How sweet is that? Jacob gets annoyed with her, just as any older child does with the young ones! And Annabelle is obsessed with Baby Justin. She wants to help with everything. She brings over burp cloths, cream, diapers, bottles, etc... But it's usually at times when her help isn't needed or appreciated.
Getting frustrated is something that comes easily with toddlers, as they are so curious, and just want to do everything. They are so loud, and needy, that patience goes quickly. I have found myself having to take a lot more "deep breaths" lately, as I try to tread the waters! The fighting, crying, screaming, hitting, and climbing are exhausting! I have forks thrown at me, which is actually pretty funny, but instead of laughing I have to be stern and make sure they know behavior like that isn't okay. I was just telling my husband the other day, that Annabelle worships him, because he doesn't have to be the bad guy. I have to tell her no all day long, and by the time we get home, she's ready to play with Daddy, who hasn't been lecturing her and telling her no all day. The first time I really noticed this happened not too long ago. She had fallen, and I went to comfort her, but instead of cuddling up to me, she wanted down so she could go to him instead. What a heartbreaking moment! As mother's we always want to be the one who is there to help our babies when they are hurting, so to see them want someone else is a shock to the system!
Speaking of injuries, we have had quite a few this month! Myself included! One night, Annabelle decided to go potty, so she sat down on her little toilet. A few minutes later, she got up, and peed all over the floor, and was so proud of herself, she was clapping! I wiped it up, and gave her a bath. While walking out of the bathroom, I hit the spot where the pee was, slipped, and slammed into the doorframe! Oh man, Annabelle went flying into her activity table and gave me a look that said, "What the hell, mom?" I yelled for help repeatedly from my husband, who was two rooms away and "didn't hear me..." Sure, he was probably in here busting a gut, because I'm pretty sure seeing a 6 ft tall woman flying through the air and landing on her backside is hilarious. I would've laughed, too, if I hadn't been dying on the floor. Anyway, my diagnosis that I gave myself, was a concussion (I've had a few), a bruised ear, neck, shoulder, wrist, hip and ankle! Obviously, Annabelle is trying to take my life by peeing on the floor.
Children are hilarious, and will say and do anything they want to, at anytime they please. A few weeks ago, Julianna was asking us how old we all are. I replied to her that I was 27, and my husband is 42. She told me "Whoa, Jean. You and Charles totally have an age gap!" HA! I don't know where she learns these things, but that had my boss and I cracking up so bad!
It is so easy to get so upset with these little ones, who I'm positive plot against me in a secret language, but it melts away so quickly when they flash their big smiles, and say "I love you." Or when they say something so funny, that you forgot the reason you were upset anyway!
I watched a video today, that summed up most Moms' insecurities, and sent the message that, through it all we are enough, and are loved! So, in honor of Mother's Day, I'll share some pictures that are sure to cheer up anyone who is having a rough time getting through their day! If these don't help you smile, just remember "This too shall pass," and put "Jesus Take the Wheel" on repeat! These are necessities in our home! ;)
Happy Mother's Day!!
