Life with Joy Lynn…

 

Just a few random thoughts as we adjust to this new and wonderful life with Baby Joy Lynn…

• I had forgotten just how much time you spend on the couch with a newborn.  I am definitely catching up on my list of movies while the baby eats and then lots of cuddle time after that.  I love it. 

• The older kids are adjusting very well to the new baby.  The boys love to hold her and big sister loves to cuddle with Joy Lynn in the morning in our bed while I take a shower – it is the sweetest thing to watch Emma Lee “take care of baby”.  I did not quite know what to expect - especially from Emma Lee being the little firecracker that she is – but I have to say that everyone has done so well with the new baby. 

• Diaper changes have been an adventure.  I always heard that boys were the “sprayers” but this little girl has gotten me so many times already.  Oh and I had forgotten just how much little newborns poop…  and just when you get them all cleaned up, they poop again!

• I am feeling surprisingly mellow this time around.  Just really trying to go with the flow and enjoy every minute with our little family.

• Oh and I probably would not be feeling so mellow if it was not for all the help that my sweet hubby + family + friends have been showering us with.  Thank you all so very much!

 

• I know I am her Mommy but don’t you want to just smother her in kisses?  I do.  I pretty much never put her down.  She is either in my arms or I am working to get chores done as quickly as I can so that I can snuggle with her again.  I know that some disagree but I do not think you can hold a newborn too much.  Who cares if she wants to be held all the time or sleep beside her Mommy during the wee hours of the morning?  These days are all so sweet and I know that they will pass much too quickly.  Besides I just cannot get enough of her sweet baby smell. 

• I am remembering life with my other 3 babies as we slowly adjust to this new life with Joy Lynn – all the little newborn diapers, burp clothes, taking care of her little belly button, perfect timing for her to nurse right when we all sit down for dinner, lack of sleep, and learning to multitask my entire day.  It is amazing how quick you can just jump back into baby mode and how it is exactly the same as it was with the other 3.  I love that!

 

• Joy Lynn is a champion sleeper.  We had a couple of rough nights the beginning of this week but the latter part has been much better.  I am really trying to enjoy all those sweet naps and cuddle time while they last. 

• Joy Lynn had lots of firsts this week – prescription (eye infection), bath at home, family walk in her stroller, naps in the swing, losing her umbilical cord, and meeting all 8 of her 1st cousins. 

• Oh and another first was watching Pride and Prejudice with Mommy.  You are never too young to meet Mr. Darcy, right?  There are several perks to this whole “recovery with a newborn” thing.  Most people probably think I am old fashioned but we like to keep our little newborns close to home those 1st six weeks.

 

• I am not quite sure how I will ever get anywhere on time with 4 kids by myself.  Thankfully we have no plans for the next few weeks and we will just get to that little milestone later when the time comes.

• Still not used to the thought process of “family of 6”.  That just seems like such a huge number to me right now. 

• Joy Lynn just reminds me so much of my other 3 when they were babies.  Caleb Davis’ lips and skin tone + Emma Lee’s eyes and cheeks.  The rest of her is totally Nathan James.  I glance over at her sometimes and just think that I am having a flashback of life with newborn Nate – only this time around he is wearing a big ‘ole pink flower on his head. 

To sum it all up, we are just so thankful, happy, and I know this sounds corny but truly full of joy.  I am feeling really, really good this 1st week as I adjust to life at home with 4 kids.  It can be kind of tricky as you learn to spread yourself between everyone’s needs and enjoy my little ones all at the same time.  And thank goodness for Daddy…  he is really the one holding us all together and doing the dishes too! 

Ok…  Off to get some sleep!