T.G.I.F.!!

I took this picture of Annagail today and it sums up my feelings precisely! I am B-E-A-T! The good news is that I am not emotionally exhausted, just physically worn out. This first week alone with the children since we brought Annagail home went relatively smoothly. Considering that all five (at some point) have had a nasty head cold and we had to make a family-wide trip to the pediatrician's office, we did pretty good this week. Nathan didn't come home to find me sitting in a corner drooling and mumbling to myself, so that is success, right?!?!?!

Honestly, I had been worried about what life was going to be like with five little ones (6 & under) at home. I feared that I wouldn't have enough of...me to handle it. However, coming off of 4 months of "limited activity" during my pregnancy and being unable to completely care for them, I am finding a great deal of JOY in the things that used to frustrate me. It has felt REALLY good to be able to get up out of the bed and lay out my children's clothes!! That has been such a joy to me. Making breakfast for them this week was refreshing.

This week has brought on some challenges in the way of discipline, but we are working through it. The kids have been used to a not-so-100% Mama for a while, so they are having to rediscover boundaries that they have forgotten. Also, adding an every two hour nursing schedule on to an already busy day hasn't been completely stress-free, but it has worked and worked well. We are on our way to "new normal".

Before I found out I was pregnant with Annagail, I think I had gotten into a rut. I was emotionally tired and just spent. Having gone through this pregnancy filled with physical pain and even sinful fear of what would happen before it was all over, I am having a much easier time finding the blessing in my ability to have & care for this family God has given me. There is nothing like being put flat on your back, to make you appreciate the upright view you once had.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. Oh Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Psalm 30:11-12