My New Job
Isn’t he precious? When he’s sweet, he’s Dr. John David……but then when you least expect it, he instantly transforms into Mr. Bobby…purple baby crying, and you’d better act fast.
When I say my “new job”, don’t panic, thinking, “She could not possibly handle any new jobs right now.” Well, you’re right anyway, I can’t. I don’t really mean that kind of job though. I’m actually referring to the adjustment to school starting back.
I have figured out why large families home school. It’s not just because the parents are afraid for their children to be taught the theology of the world by the public school. It’s really because it’s so stinkin’ hard to get four kids out the door in the morning, when one has to feed at very specific times and can do nothing for himself, and one is a free spirited 2 year old, who will pick the exact moment you need to leave– to suddenly be alone in the basement, playing trains, and peeing in his pants…
Two days in a row I’ve had boys 1,2, and 4 all set to go, waiting on Daniel.
I didn’t really think about walking to school being much more difficult with 2 little ones than it was with 1, but let me tell you. It is different, it is harder, it is down right exhausting.
Mixing a new baby, a toddler, and two school-aged kids is something you have to experience to understand I think, so I won’t even try to describe it.
I mentioned previously that I am suddenly sleep deprived again. The sleep problem hasn’t gotten much better around here. Seriously, this whole house has gone completely bonkers in the wee night hours this week. Last night I had to reassure and re-cover Dan at 3am. Then I had to feed the baby at some point too.
I mentioned a couple days ago that I am soo so so sleepy, and that I would eventually crash…
Happened yesterday.
But I took action.
I called my friend Sherry to ask if I could borrow her teenage daughter(s) on days when they have no after school activities, just to help me with the getting the boys home from school part of the day. (The high school lets out 40 minutes earlier than the elementary school). So now I have helpers on Tuesday and Thursday. It was wonderful. I got to walk to school and get my children yesterday without disturbing anyone’s nap, without pushing a stroller, and without sweating so much from the excerption of pushing two babies in a stroller. Roll Tide!
Well, that wonderful gal Sherry not only arranged all this for me, but she also came over, brought me a sandwich and an iced tea, and took care of John David so I could squeeze in a nap. I didn’t ask her to do any of that. Such a great friend. That nap made such a huge difference, as did getting to walk to school with no babies!
I suppose I could be that “I can do this myself. I don’t need any help,” person. But why? Sometimes, when we fall flat on our face, like I did yesterday, we just need a little help.
If you’d like to pray for us, I would say pray for our whole family to get some sleep. This has been a RIDICULOUS week. Never before have all four children interrupted my sleep all week long like this. I think it’s largely caused by the adjustment to school starting back. It hit us hard this year.
I was telling Alan this, and he said, “What do you think you should do?” I said, “I have no idea.” Then Alan said, “Pray.” Simple enough. Why do I so often forget to pray about my own problems?
James 5:13
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
….I’m actually a little of both. I’m in way over my head, but I’m still quite happy, stressed but joyful.
I know that my children are a blessing, and this will get easier. People aren’t needy newborns forever. Even JD is 2 1/2 months old already! This is just a phase, and we will pull through. Our clothes might be wrinkled, and it may be 2pm before I finally get around to showering and teeth brushing, but we WILL get through this!
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Thank you Rachel! So good to hear from you! Archer is so cute. Miss you!
April, I really enjoyed reading this post. I don't know how you do it with 4 kids. Personaly, I learned I am not meant to be a stay at home mom when I took 6 months of maternity leave when Archer was born. That's when my eyes were opened at how hard being a stay at home mother would be. I applaud you for your hard work and for carrying on without sleep. Archer didn't sleep through the night until he was 1 year. Glad to hear you are doing well!