Out of the eight couples who we work with, four of us were expecting babies. Two of the ladies had their babies in the middle of December (this photo was December 9th, the day before the first one had her baby). Yesterday, my good friend Erika (third from left), who I also worked with in Malaysia, had her little girl.
So, I'm the last one. And seeing all these babies around makes it VERY hard to be patient! I just keep telling myself to keep busy and six weeks will go by fast. I'm not very convincing :) In any case, it is fun to be around all these moms and new babies. I do feel a little weird though...I'm not the "young one" anymore. Everywhere we have worked I have always been one of the youngest. When I had my babies, I was the new mother. I looked to experienced mothers for advice, wisdom, and friendship.
Now I see myself in a new light. I'm not the new mama anymore, I'm not the young one. I'm the "mom with (almost) four kids." I'm the mom with multiple delivery room stories, the mom who has been through sick kids, potty training, first days of school, discipline, and a whole bunch of other things. I'm by no means an expert, but it does feel weird that I'm not new to this anymore. The baby-having years are short (well, at least in my case ;) and I'm a little sad.
I can't wait to cherish this new little one in a few weeks. So excited to see the new family dynamics and how my role as a mother changes once again as I strive to meet the unique needs of these four little people. Children are such a blessing.
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I scrapped last night! Nothing earth shattering but I realized it had been a while. I miss it. I have been so distracted with so many other things that I haven't made it a priority. And yet when I see my kids get down the albums and look through them with big smiles I know that I don't want to lose my groove with it. Even when *I* don't need the scrapping time to meet my own creative/emotional needs, I still need to do it because of what it means to my family.
Anyway, here is a page using Michelle Colemnan's lighthearted kit. I barely scratched the service of the kit...can't wait to use it again!
Credits: LIGHT-HEARTED by Michelle Coleman, staples by Shabby Princess, cardboard overlay by Linda GB, stitching by Lisa Whitney, template by me (Fat Pack 3)
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My sister, niece, and one of my nephews come today! We are all really excited! Alaina and her cousin are only 10 months apart and Alaina is soooo excited to have four days of girl time with someone her own age! On Saturday we are having a "princess day out" and going to get our nails done, going to lunch, having hair done at the Bibbity Boppity Boutique, and then going for tea! Alaina is so excited she can barely contain herself!
Hope your day is great!
You are such an adorable pregnant girl!! Love that picture & you look VERY young to me! :) Try not to hit anyone today if they say, "You haven't had the baby yet?" or whatever silly things people say to you that are supposed to be nice but make you feel worse! :)
Posted by: janelle | January 25, 2008 at 05:09 AM
Enjoy your time with your sister, and of course you know Alaina will enjoy her time!!! I totally know what you mean bout being the "older" mom now - even though we are still young, we are very seasoned already with all our stories and experiences!
Posted by: MandaKay | January 25, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Oh, I haaate being the "last one." LOL! I was "last" when I had J, and it just made it seem like forEVER! I was either first, or one of the first with E, and that was soooooooo nice! I have one friend who is close to me, but after (or should be but we'll see since she's having twins) and then 2 more after me as well. Although this last 6-7 weeks still seems to be moving reeeaaally sloooooooooooow!
Have a wonderful time with your sister/family!
Posted by: Hollie | January 25, 2008 at 04:31 PM