21 November 2015

Number 4



She finally came.  Our baby girl.  Our tiny number 4.  Our little M.  And for someone so small, what great joy and sweetness she has brought with her.  I am so completely in love with this newest little one of ours.  Even her mewling cries are sweet.  The others are over the moon too, especially the kids!  They are forever asking to hold her, burp her, change and bathe her.  She has a beautiful story too, quite different from her siblings.  

By the way, that gorgeous green hat was knitted by my dear friend Kim.  (She even included a felt flower to sew on in case it was a girl, which she was!)  Thank you so much for thinking of us my dear friend.   You are a sweetheart.    



So little M.  She came late, but she came quickly.  I am so thankful that she was born on her own with no interventions and no drugs.  (My midwives were just wonderful - I couldn't have done it without them, and I'm not just saying that.)  It really has made a difference in the speed at which I've been able to recover and get back on my feet.  For the most part, I feel like I am living in a bit of a bubble nowadays.  Not so much because my head is buried in the sand but because this baby sets my routine.  Lots of feeding, changing, and snuggles.  It all sounds so rosy, but it kind of is right now.  (I'll let you know when that changes!)  I am in the "honeymoon" phase where the sleeplessness and crying doesn't bother me at all.  In fact, I'm rather enamoured by it.  :)  Honeymoon indeed!  



Perhaps the reason for this is because D and my mom have been a huge help.  Between cleaning the house, making food, taking the other kids, soothing baby when needed so I can rest, they have literally spoiled me.  Little M is not the only one who's being taken care of.  I am too!  I was so anxious before, but now I feel a little like a queen.  If this is how women used to be cared for in the old days, it's no wonder they had so many kids.   

I have been able to spend time sewing this past week.  J's dress is done except for those buttons at the back.  Such a pretty jumper.  I think next time though, I won't do the gathering for the skirt.  At least not with corduroy.  It's too thick and bulky of a fabric to really work well that way.  Still, I do love it, and so does J, who keeps at me to finish it so she can wear it to church on Sunday.  I think it's because of the pink sash.  She really wanted the whole thing to be pink, but I don't think she minded it at all once she saw that sash and little rosebud.  :)  

I am also finishing off the binding for that much-talked-about quilt.  Except I keep forgetting to take a picture.  So you'll have to wait for me to show it off next time.  I have promised the kids we will do a little pine cone craft tomorrow, so the quilt may have to wait until during the week.  No problem by me!  

While I was in the hospital, I started working on two crocheted birds.  Turtle doves actually.  I'm hoping to make a crocheted wreath for a special someone this Christmas.  I don't think she checks my blog out, but I'll wait to post pictures until later.  Besides, I keep forgetting to photograph that too!  (Mama brain is not a myth, my friends!)

Since baby M's arrival, we stopped reading together for a few days.  I missed our routine so much though, I couldn't wait to get back to it.  It's a little more challenging with 4 crawling all over me, but we're managing.  As long as they have a snack to distract them when baby interrupts, the older ones do just fine. 

And that is where we are right now.  Getting back to our routine as much as possible and enjoying our little blessing.  And enjoying each other too.  These little monkeys are so precious!  I can't believe how they have grown.  



Before I sign off, I wanted to share a beautiful quote I found yesterday.  It really resonated with me.  I felt like, yes, this is why we need to slow down and simplify.  

"The more people deviate from the natural simple life and move toward luxury, the more human stress increases.  And as worldly politeness expands, simplicity, joy and the natural human smile are lost."  (Elder Paisios of Mt. Athos)  


10 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, she is adorable!!! Congratulations my friend, I am so happy for you and your family. Good thing I thought to add in that flower :) The hat looks so cute on her.

    So glad to hear you are being well taken care of, you deserve it. Enjoy this honeymoon phase, and soak up the goodness of that precious little one.

    And I love that last pic, everyone looks so happy. Big hugs to all of you. xo

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    1. :) Yes, you were definitely on the ball! Thank you for your gift and your kind words. So thankful we are able to soak up each other. So many times I remember time slipping by without that. This is different and I am grateful...

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  2. Congratulations!!! She is absolutely adorable and it sounds like you're having a wonderful babymoon!!

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  3. Oh what joy and blessings... She is just perfect. That last picture of you and your beautiful children made me smile from ear to ear. Congratuations dear friend. Wishing you wonderful moments of bliss xoxox

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    1. Thank you dear Yanic! I do love that last photo too... something about being surrounded by those little ones just gets me! :)

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  4. Oh my! How precious! A beautiful newborn bringing more love and joy to your gorgeous family. Glad to hear you have some help. These days that doesn't happen so often anymore. We moved from the bush to the city with a 6 week old. No friends or family, it was awful. Lovely dresses and hat from your thoughtful friend. Many blessings to your wonderful family!!!

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    1. Yes, I agree. It is not often that women are supported like that when they deliver. I am so grateful. Thank you for your kind wishes, Zena.

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  5. she is gorgeous! and you, mama- you look radiant (and I'm not just saying that ;). so happy to hear that all is well and that her transition into the world was a smooth and sweet one. congratulations! xo

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    1. Aww, thanks Amanda! (Just what a new mama needs to hear!) She sleeps pretty well for a newborn, so I can't complain. I live for naps though. :) xo

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