Things around our house have been, well, a little crazy since little Jacob has joined us. Perhaps crazy isn't the right word . . .because in all reality I think this has been one of the easier transitions to having a new baby. I attribute this to the fact that on kiddo number five I have finally gotten smart and have realized that I don't have to be "super Mom", in fact I don't have to be super anything, just plain old Mom is good enough. What does this mean? It means my goal each day is to find time for a shower, feed & change Jacob, keep the laundry moving, get the kids to and from school, help them get their homework done and feed and change Jacob some more. If anything else gets accomplished it's a bonus! That means there are a lot of things that are getting left undone and are piling up on my old to-do list. I have graciously welcomed and appreciated the many meals brought to us by friends, and the task of picking up kiddos when the offer is extended. I have relied on and appreciated Paul's amazing willingness to keep the dishes washed and desire to take John and Sarah to look for trains several times a week (this translates into two less kids around and a chance to get things picked up). There have been many things to add to my list of thankful moments.
As I have been short on time for the non-essential things of life I will take a few minutes while I have it to share a few of my favorite things/pctures from the last month or so. . .
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| Jacob with a beard |
Paul's brother, Richard, & his wife were expecting a baby a week after Jacob was born. Richard did not shave for the nine months before their little girl was born, growing an amazing beard. I'm sure that Jacob and his cousin were great friends in the pre-existence so to honor and celebrate her birth Jacob joined Richard in growing a beard. I suppose only a sleep deprived parent many find this absolutely hilarious.
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| help from Grandma Sue |
We are so glad that Grandma Sue could be with us when we welcomed Jacob to our family. She was a HUGE help and was greatly missed when she left. At bed time the first day she was gone, John started crying and asking where Grandma Sue was.
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| a friend in the mirror |
After baths we lay Jacob on the extra vanity in our bathroom to get lotioned & dressed. As he lays there he loves to stare at his friend in the mirror.
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| my baby dinosaur |
The kids decided that Jacob needed to join them in their dress-up adventure. At least it wasn't a princess dress.
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| the love of a Grandma |
A few weeks ago Paul's parents came down for a brief visit to meet their new grand baby. We enjoyed visiting with them. The first several times MarJean held Jacob he would just cry. I'm glad he finally decided that Grandma was OK and sat in her lap peacefully.
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| our whole family |
When Jacob was born the hospital was closed to visitors under the age of 16. So we never got that traditional family picture taken in the hospital with everyone crowded around Mom in the hospital bed, welcoming the new baby. At a month old we finally took that family picture to welcome Jacob.
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| cousins |
Along with Paul's parents, his sister, LeeAnn, and two of her girls came to visit. Elizabeth was so excited to play with her favorite cousin, Breanna. These girls are so fun to watch because they enjoy each other so much despite being so different and with very little in common. I suppose it was the couple of years we lived next door to the Jessee's (when Elizabeth was 2-4) that created this special bond between cousins.
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| block towers |
The kids built this creation one morning before school. I was busy taking care of Jacob and doing other tings and when I came into the living room this is what I found. Pretty amazing.
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| sprinklers |
Paul spent a couple of days this last week busy in the backyard putting in a sprinkler system so he can reach the goal of having grass by spring. I think it is about time for another backyard makeover blog post to share all of the Paul's hard work. . . I'll have to work on that.
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| and Jacob smiling! |
Rachel captured this cute picture. I don't know how she did it. We are beginning to be blessed with a smile here and there from Jacob. I'm waiting and excited for smiles to be a regular occurrence, although I have a suspicion that may already smile regularly for his sisters.
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