It has been awhile since our last post... I must admit I have been a bit busy and slightly overwhelmed. The transition from one baby to two has been easy at times and absolutely exasperating the very next minute. I have learned a few things in the 3 short weeks that I have been caring for 2 small children:
1. Both children need/deserve my full attention every waking minute (even if those waking minutes are in the middle of the night). I have had to accept the fact that the dishes just might not get done or someone might come to the door right after Matthew dumps all his blocks on the floor for the 5th time.
2. Trends do not necessarily make habits. Ella only got up 2 times every night for the first 2 weeks of her life. Since that time, she has been up multiple times every night, sometimes for hours at a time. Last night was our longest night to date as I was awake from 11:18 PM until sometime after 4 AM.
3. This adjustment has probably been the hardest for Matthew. Sometimes I just scoop him up in my arms and hold him because I know he doesn't quite understand where he took a wrong turn and ended up with a little sister. He is typically very sweet with her, but I know he is probably pondering, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" He is just not able to articulate that to us.
4. Getting ready to go somewhere is much more difficult than it was with one child. I am looking forward to the day when Matthew understands the meaning of "hold my hand" and "you have to wait right here." Currently it is just easier to stay home although I know it is so good for all of us to get out of the house.
5. Phone calls and visits are so important. After spending most of my day reading books, cleaning fruit snacks out of the carpet, and building with Mr. Potato Head, adult interaction is critical to my sanity. I am so thankful for the strong support system I have around me, and that Ryan is able to help shoulder some of the load when he gets home from work.
6. Finally, I have learned that just when you think you have offered your last hug or given your last smile, your child can do something so sweet that your heart melts and somehow you have the ability to go on. Yes, my patience has been tested. Yes, I have felt like I might just not survive until 4 o'clock when Daddy gets home. Yes, there are moments when I feel like I am hanging on by a thread (a very frayed thread). BUT... I wouldn't change where I am in life right now for anything. I feel so blessed that God has chosen me to be Matthew and Ella's Mommy. I know there will be more moments of craziness, but for right now, I am just going to soak up this moment and love my babies the best I can. Hugs!
We had a wonderful Christmas! Matthew and Ella received beautiful gifts everywhere we went and Mommy and Daddy have spent the last couple days trying to make room for all their new things! Here is Matthew at Grandma and Grandpa Peppler's house on Christmas morning. He is playing with his new farm toys from Uncle Kyle and Lindsey! He LOVES them!
This is Matthew at Grandma and Grandpa Phegley's house on the 26th. He is playing with his new barn. It is pretty funny to watch him flap his wings like the chicken does on the barn!
Little Miss Ella received a new pink chair that is just her size! Can't wait for her to get a little bigger so she can play with some of her new toys! Right now, Mommy and Daddy are enjoying playing with them!
Here is Matthew at home checking out what Santa brought! He really likes his new Lego table and basketball hoop that he can make slam dunks on. We thought about raising it up, but decided we would build his confidence for right now and adjust the height later!
Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmases. We certainly did! Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful gifts! We are having lots of fun with all our new toys!
