Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

There has been an awful lot of change and growing up going on at our house, lately. Jackson is now 4 (!) and starting pre-school soon. Despite our decision to start looking for a place as school is starting, we were still lucky enough to find a good pre-school program with one spot available. Once again, I must do ALL things at the last minute.

AND, we now have a 7 month old that is sitting up, crawling, and standing with support. So far I’ve had a hard time taking my eyes off this beautiful baby, and now I have many more reasons why I shouldn’t avert my eyes from him. I really don’t like the sound of Archer hitting the floor, SILENCE, and then an enormous cry. So, I’m always on my toes ready for the catch. Needless to say, I’m much busier.

Another (exciting for me, maybe not for you) milestone that we have reached is breastfeeding for 7 months. I really wasn’t sure how nursing would go with Archer after having a very short and frustrating time with Jackson. I also was not sure how much I would want to breastfeed. It’s quite the responsibility. It turns out I love breastfeeding and it has made so many things much easier. Archer is tired and fussy, he nurses and calms down. Archer gets hurt, he nurses and calms down. Archer is upset that we are going on yet another car ride, he nurses and calms down. It’s amazing how truly handy breastfeeding is!

And by the way, no, Archer is not like your average baby that will fall asleep in the car. He despises the car at certain times of the day. He dislikes it so much that he will cry and cry and cry AND CRY until the situation is compromised by him not riding in that horrible car seat. So, we take many breaks on long trips, and try to avoid car rides of the late evening.

In summary, life is moving quickly and we are having a fabulous time.

Domestic Engineer

Yesterday was a great day. I woke up earlier than usual…it was around 8 am. I started my daily routine–feed Archer, change Archer, chat with Jackson, bath either both kids or just one (babies don’t need to bath every day), dress everyone, make breakfast, and then start laundry or picking up. Sounds very dull, but I actually enjoy it. After these things are done, we usually leave the house to run an errand or visit the park; whatever we feel like doing. After the outing we sit down for reading time and Jackson gets his nap. I haven’t been able to get Archer to nap with Jackson yet, but that day will come soon. For now, Archer naps in our sling. I plan to use this bit of time to work on my many “projects”. Recently, I’ve decided to learn how to cross stitch. Today was my first attempt to “artsy fartsy up” a onsie. The project has not turned out to be as easy as I wanted, but I will figure it out. My plan is to have onsies and baby shirts for sale at my booth at the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange. I’ll have my Mama Kate’s body care and some handmade knit and cross stitched items.

Anyway, yesterday was the day I truly fell in love with being a stay at home mom. I’ve got what seems like endless quality time with my kids, time to pursue my many creative ideas, time to get the house work done, time to garden, time to grow my business, time to get done whatever it is that I’d like to get done. I am very lucky to be able to do this.

adjusting

Archer is officially 1 month old as of yesterday. Yay! He and I are doing well, and finally adjusting. I’ve had some ups and downs getting used to being a mother of 2. Things are slowly becoming normal and routine for all of us now, though.

Breastfeeding was an issue to begin with, of course. I told myself not to get frustrated if there happens to be a difficulty with breastfeeding before Archer arrived. Inevitably, we did have a tiny issue, and I got a bit frustrated. But, now we have both learned how to “master” this nursing thing, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s becoming so easy. And, like all the breastfeeding advocates say, it really is rewarding and brings a special bond to you and your baby.

Jackson has had a hard time as well. He’s not getting the attention he deserves, so we have decided that we will make it our mission to be more conscious of the attention we give him. Negative attention is one thing he’s been getting a lot of–we need to change that. Otherwise, Jackson is being a wonderful son and big brother. He loves his little brother, and he is the best helper his mama could ask for.

John, of course, has had no trouble at all adjusting. He’s been there to encourage me when I’m feeling down. He’s was there for me when I called him to come home on his first week back to work. He’s there for Jackson when I’ve got Archer to feed. He is wonderful.

My new family is wonderful!