Adjusting to Life with a Baby

I know that everyone thinks that because I have already raised three little boys that I am a professional at this, but I surely don't remember half of it.  Fortunately, it is coming back to me, but it is taking time and things are different with three big boys.  For one, I thought that Hyrum would have a consistent routine by now.  But in general he naps at different times, for different lengths of time and usually naps less on busier days for me.  I don't know how he knows, but he knows.

I never want to make dinner anymore.  I enjoy cooking but making dinner with a baby is just not fun.  So, I now have started a Saturday meal prep day.  James is home and can help chop and we usually get 5 - 8 meals made and ready to either freeze or put in the refrigerator.  I figure if I can make multiple batches of 2 - 3 meals  each weekend, then we will have variety and little prep on my part during the week.  So far it is working out great!  I have less stress and still get to enjoy making meals.  It is a win-win!

My home is no longer baby proof.  We have some beautiful lanterns on the floor that Hyrum just loves to climb.  For an 8 month old his balance is pretty good, and I credit the lanterns as they often move while he is using them as leverage.  But that also means that he often falls.  I remember telling a friend with a 1 and 3 year old that her job in life right now is to keep her kids alive, and I am being reminded of just how true that statement is.  Between keeping him from falling to keeping who knows what out of his mouth, I will admit that the boys keeping him alive is a full time job.  But on the plus side the boys are learning to clean up after themselves a lot more!  And well, I can't complain about that.  :)

Getting up in the morning is not what it once was.  I didn't realize how spoiled I was that I could get up in the morning whenever I wanted to.  I, of course, would get up to get things going, but if I was sick I could stay in bed and let the boys take care of breakfast.  And I never got up in the night. . .  uninterrupted sleep is a beautiful thing.  

Now not everything is challenging.  The boys love playing with Hyrum.  One of my favorite things to do is to lay in bed in the morning and listen to Jacob entertain Hyrum in his crib.  When I go into their room later I find toys all over (Jacob keeps a special stash of Hyrum toys in his room) the room and in his crib.  It is adorable, and I love hearing the joy in both of their voices.  I also love seeing all of the boys play with Hyrum all day long.  Their current project is teaching Hyrum how to walk.  This little boy has no choice but to learn quickly to keep up with these big boys!  They also take tons of pictures, so I need to get those and post them.  I will work on that tomorrow!

And one final thing.  James' brother has a great tradition of meeting his daughter at the railing when he gets home, so we have tried to train Hyrum to do the same.  We are not quite there yet, but we are working on it!