I'm the mother of four...

It is sometimes hard to believe that I have FOUR children. In some ways it seems like a lot (since everyone I come into contact with seems to think so!) and in some ways it just seems natural.  Jason and I both come from a family with four kids so it is always the number we talked about. 

Everywhere I go people seem to ask the same question, "How do you do it?"  The question always takes me a little by surprise.  The first thought in my head is, "Well, I just do it." I mean, now that they are here how could I NOT take care of them?  But I know that isn't really what they mean and that really isn't my answer.

So, how do I do it?  To be honest, I don't really know.  And I don't always do it well.  I make mistakes -- a lot of them.  I try to work on some of my parenting issues and while I see growth, there is a long way to go.

My biggest weakness is patience. I am the type of person who likes to do things on time, to be ready when we are supposed to be ready, to go when we are supposed to go.  I struggle with people that don't do things in my time frame.  And when you have four little ones (and one big one!) who aren't quite as fast as I am, I get impatient.  Whether it is getting ready to go out or just getting the kids in bed, I move too fast and I expect others to follow.  When they don't, I get frustrated. It is a weakness of mine, and I need to work on it. It isn't the being on time or being orderly that is the problem -- I think more people could use a dose of learning to be on time for things -- but I need to work on the impatience thing.  To realize that they are little kids and they do things in their own way in in their own time.  I need to step back and let them be kids -- let them put on their own shoes, let them wear clothes that don't match perfectly, to let them find the ONE perfect book to read instead of grabbing whatever is on top.  I need to take a lesson from them and SLOW DOWN. I can always get "stuff" done later but I can never get back the days when they are little.  I need to soak them all up NOW, to enjoy the PRESENT,  to learn to have their childlike faith.

I'm gonna work on that...

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Okay...doctor updates.  First up is Katelynn.  She is doing great.  At eleven days, she was already back up to birth weight.  So although she isn't all that interested in eating (though she IS doing better) she is obviously getting what she needs.  She is healthy and growing.  Let's hope it stays that way!

My doctor's appointment went just as expected...antibiotics that will hopefully do the trick. It is really important that I get well so we can keep Katelynn well...because if she gets sick there really isn't anything safe to give her at this age.  Obviously I can't stay away from her so I am just praying a hedge of protection around her and working hard to get myself healthy.  I was up for most of the night coughing but my sore throat is a *bit* better today and I am hoping and praying that the meds will kick in and I will be on my way back up.  The next two weeks are going to be full and busy and I want to enjoy them all!

*****

And a quick public service announcement...if you have never been to a Wal-Mart Pharmacy...DON'T do it!  I had the WORST experience with them!  I've only had prescriptions filled here in Florida a few times.  I did it at CVS both times.  But, I was at Wal-Mart yesterday and thought that I could save myself a stop with kids in tow by just doing it there. I figured it would be maybe half an hour (as opposed to CVS's 10 minutes)...no big deal, I had shopping to do anyway.  Well, I filled out the paperwork since I hadn't been there before and when I was done they told me it would be ready after five.  It was TWO O'CLOCK! I was frustrated, to say the least.  I try to give them my insurance card but they tell me to bring it back when I pick up the prescription.

So last night I get permission from my boss to run and pick it up.  Since it was going to be a fast trip and since Jason was home alone with the kids and with our dorm boys, I decided to take Caleb and Levi.  When I got there I had to wait in line for about 15 minutes.  When I got to the counter they gave me the price and I handed them my insurance card.  They then told me I would have to wait while they processed it.  Over half and hour later, I FINALLY got my prescription.  Needless to say, I won't be going back there again!

*****

Alrighty, happy Wednesday to you.  Oh wait, it's only Tuesday.  Happy Tuesday!

Comments

[Kresta]

Oh how frustrating with the pharmacy! Especially when you don't feel good already and you have kids with you.

Glad Katelynn is doing so well. Hope you start feeling better soon! :)

[Heather]

Really cute picture!!! I love candid happy ones. You have a darling family. I'm not a fan of Walmart either. Too bad they have such cheap prices. :) I hope y'all feel better. Congrats on your new little one.

[Shawna Taylor]

What a cute photo of the 5 of you! You all look so happy! Hope you feel better soon!

[jazzmint]

again..i love the photo..both u and hubs really are good with the camera. are you guys on nikon or canon?

oh btw, love the LO you did for the baby arrival, simply gorgeous

[Lisa]

as a mother of 6 i get asked how do i do it everywhere i go. like you, i just do it, and i don't always do it well. so my reply is always the truth: God's grace.

you have a beautiful family!

[Angyla]

I will be praying for protection from illness for Katelynn. I hope you feel better soon!

[Michelle Filo]

sorry, I am one of those that would ask "how do you do it all?" *giggles* that is a mark of GOOD people my friend, to be able to give everything of yourself without reservations, I admire this! I find it so hard with only two, but I totally enjoy the rewards, I wouldnt have any other way and just like you, once they were here, I would love and care for them, even if they were 3, 4 or 5!!! (but in the meantime I am happy with 2 LOL)

[Lindy]

Hi friend! Do you have the newest Caedmon's Call album (Overdressed)? You NEED to listen to the song "Sacred." Such a neat perspective on mommyhood--even for me with no kids yet.

P.S. Will you e-mail me your mailing address. I have a card for your little one!