Getting Out the Door

Thus far, I've found one of the most challenging things about having 3 kids to be going ... anywhere.  We function pretty well inside these 4 walls but getting us all out the door is not an easy task!  I think this would be hard no matter what, but adding the fact that it's winter to the mix means we all need coats, scarves, boots/shoes, kids need mittens and hats (and you KNOW I'm putting those things on more than once because it takes SO long that at least one of them has taken them off in the process of leaving), diaper bag (with Wyatt diapers, Tiegan diapers, a blanket, wipes, a few toys and snacks... always snacks), water bottles, etc... OH and keys and phone, definite necessities!

Because I feel like I have conquered the world every time we do get out the door, it usually requires a picture to prove it.

After Tiegan's first doctor visit when she was 6 days old, we headed straight to our chiropractor Dr. Ann!  She confirmed Tiegan's perfection and gave her her first adjustment!

One night all 5 of us went to Target and Jed and I decided to divide and conquer, boys vs. girls.

We have had our preschool group a few times since Tiegan was born too.  It's always a little bit of a juggling act but we make it work.  I love these ladies and their kids and it's really always the highlight of our week to enjoy their company and watch our kiddos learning together.

I hesitate to post this one... how embarassing, but this is what happens to my living room when Jed plays in the band at church and I'm responsible for getting us all fed, dressed (semi-well) and out the door by 9:45.

I noticed one week by Wednesday we were all going a little bonkers and the kids were bouncing off the walls.  So the next day we went to the library!  I had avoided the library the last few months of my pregnancy because I literally could not waddle after Wyatt any more and losing a child at the downtown library is one of my worst fears.  It was actually a really great outing.  Tiegan slept most of the time and we got lots of new books to enjoy the next few weeks.

What's even better than just getting out is actually getting OUTSIDE!  Before all of this snow got dumped on us, we had a few really awesome days of 40s and 50s and SUN!  I wrapped Tiegan up in the moby and we walked down the street to the big open field and the dirt piles where they dump the dirt when they dig a foundation for a new house.  This is noteable because this is usually a DADDY thing, NOT a Mommy thing.  Daddy lets us go crazy outside and get extra dirty.  Mommy is usually full of "be careful"'s and "watch out for the mud!" But this time I let it go and got to just say yes.  We all had an awesome time.  The fresh air was just what we needed.

We also enjoyed an outing to the zoo with our friends Allison and Gwen the other day.  It was such a nice day we ran into several other friends too!  I was really proud and impressed with how great my big kids did walking the whole trip and staying close without the stroller!  There was no complaining even in the absence of snacks and water bottles!

Jed had the idea to go to the mall the other night, which normally would be pretty fun but it was CRAZY busy so instead of enjoying the train table at the book store, we got ice cream, which the kids probably enjoyed more.  Tiegan was, as you can see, not impressed.

I'm sure one day I'll look back at this and laugh at myself, whether it be when/if we have more kids or just when I'm more seasoned at life.  For now, I'm going to pat myself on the back and do my best to be thankful for our days at home and the outings we enjoy together, no matter how stressful they seem!

Month 1

This post is less about Tiegan turning 1 month and more about life during her first month of life, because a whole month is more exciting than a 1 day "milestone."  I'm sitting here writing this as I look at my almost 7 week old baby and reflecting on that first month... allllmost tearing up because it's just incredible how fast time as gone.  I know she's still so little but I'm already sad to be past the teeny tiny sleepy newborn, wrinkly hands and feet, mixed up days and nights stage.

For example, the above pic makes me sad because she doesn't fit into that sleeper anymore!

She really is the most popular person in our household.  These two adore her and are always concerned about where she is, what she's doing, why she's crying, etc.

I snuck away with just Tiegan on New Years Eve for her 2 week check up.  She well surpassed birth weight, was much less jaundiced and looked just perfect

Both of my big kids love her so well but Wyatt is sweet on her in a totally precious, he still seems like my baby loving another baby sort of way.  When he talks to her, his voice totally changes and gets softer and high pitched as he says hello to his baby Tiegan, which sounds like baby chicken.

I loved this picture because I laid her there wide awake and she passed out hard a few minutes later.  Wyatt used to do that ALL of the time.

She's still calm as a cucumber during bath time!

This may have been the case with or without the addition of Tiegan, but one thing I've observed this past month is how much closer these two have gotten.  Wyatt's vocabulary is exploding and he and Lainey are communicating so much better, which lends to more conversations during play time.  To watch them share, pretend and play together is so fun.  There's such great opportunity to learn so many of life's lessons about getting along with others with siblings close in age.  I've even been asked if they're twins multiple times when out and about -- usually at Sam's Club, maybe because they sit in the cart right next to each other... or maybe Sam's patrons are just extra conversational, I'm not sure.  

This picture was from our first day on our own here at home.  3 on 1!  That day in particular went really well.  The next night and day didn't so much... and it's been kind of an on/off pattern ever since. I'm learning/remembering that we are going to have good days and hard but good in their own way days.  My attitude makes the biggest difference in which kind of day we are going to have, regardless of who is crying, how many gross diapers I have to change, how many spills or messes I clean up, etc.  We've been working with Lainey on Philippians 2:14 which says "Do everything without complaining or arguing," but really, it's been more of a help and reminder for my own heart.

Lainey and I do a lot of sitting together and feeding our babes.

Wyatt takes care of babies too!

I really love a big pile of kids and I really love babies in footie pjs so basically, this picture is my dream come true.

I wouldn't go so far as to say Tiegan hates the car seat buuut she doesn't love it.  On this particular day someone at Kohl's called her a "he" ... while wearing pink.  She doesn't look to pleased.

This was one of the first days I put Tiegan in real clothes other than jams.  Hooray for getting dressed!

This is some wild post bath hair.  It's the best.

Ahhh... everyone's favorite time of the day!

These are from Tiegan's actual 1 month birthday.

She has the most intense eyes.  We think they remind us of Lainey's as a baby.

She's all belly and cheeks/chins.  Yes, chinS.

We're so in love with our sweet baby T.