Baby Update

Wow, two posts in the same month!  I must be on a roll!  Hahaha.

Tonight I have the privilege of blogging because we actually got all three kiddos to bed at a decent time and my hubby's arthritis is flaring so we're hanging out on the computers so he can heat his shoulders in his ergonomic chair.

Our little guy is growing in leaps and bounds!  He successfully started solid foods this month with homemade oatmeal baby cereal (we put the old-fashioned oats in the blender to make oat powder and then add water).  He absolutely loves eating real food!  If we feed him too slowly, he starts grunting at us in anticipation of his next bite.  If we are at the table eating, he wants to be with us eating too.  I often eat with him on my lap and he watches every move I make.  Sometimes I will sneak him tastes of my applesauce...he loves applesauce! 

We've started letting him cry-it-out in his crib now that he is a little bigger and a bit more mature.  When he gets to the point where he is crying in his crib, but instantly snuggles into your arm and falls asleep when picked up...that's a big clue he is ready to learn to deal with being in his crib on his own.  He doesn't like going to sleep in his crib, but is learning.  He's gotten really good at napping in his chair or swing.  We got him a super soft blanket at Christmas and he loves to snuggle in it to nap with.  Too bad we can't let him snuggle with it in his crib...and he's awake again!  See you next time!

Mombie ramblings

I miss blogging, but life and responsibilities keep me away for this season.  Even right now, I'm just barely squeezing in some time because the baby is actually asleep in his crib and my hubby fell asleep on the couch.  I could either go to bed or blog, and I've been missing my writing so here I am.

I'm learning to squeeze in little moments here and there.  For example, while my older children worked on a project and the baby slept, I hand-washed a couple pans.  I didn't have time for a whole load of dishes, but two pans, I had time for that.  In fact, I think I washed one, answered a couple school questions and then washed the other.  The life of an involved mom is a busy one.  I have no idea how my mother ever kept up with the laundry with four children...mine do their own and I still can't keep up with it...and my hair...I barely ever actually brush it unless we're leaving the house.  Some days even brushing my teeth in the morning is a true accomplishment.

I'm learning to accept the necessity and the gift of flexibility. Being home I have the "time" to handle many phone calls and appointments that would otherwise be squeezed into a lunch break or weekend if I were working.  Today we took the dog to the groomer.  It threw off the whole routine for the day, but we got things accomplished that needed to be done for our home.  We used the time out of the house to also get the week's grocery shopping done, which now leaves us our full day tomorrow for being at home.

I'm also realizing what a perfectionist I am.  I expect perfection of myself and unconsciously often seek perfection in others and the world around me.  I'm learning to give myself grace and find that I'm often reminding myself that imperfections are okay.  Letting go of the mom-guilt is another constant mental battle I wage.  The ideal situation in my mind is rarely reality and I have to remember that it's okay to take care of me; it's okay to take a break or be lenient when everyone is tired; and it's okay to let go of all the day's plans in order to focus on the relationships instead.

My brain is turning into mush...my blogging desires must be replaced by the physical need for sleep.  Good night, everyone.  Don't forget that Jesus loves you.