Bittersweet and Just Plain Sweet

Friday was Matt's last day of working for Cornell. I went to pick him up from work since his company truck couldn't be used. The reality has set in and while I am grateful for the time he will be here to help with the packing and everything, it was still a bit scary to know he was 'done'. At least it was scary for me. The turning of a new page. The start of a new life. READY OR NOT!

This past week I have taken a bit of a reprieve from packing. It was hard enough to getthe children clothed and fed and the laundry done! The first day home, I was showered and dressed but Matt and the children all still had pj's on at 10:30. I said to Matt, "Well. We will be golden as long as we don't have to be out the door until about noonish!" Each day though, has started with ever more ease and I have become increasingly more adept at preparing our family for the day at a reasonable time. We even made it to church at our usual 15 minutes early-no complications.

Andrew is a week old today and this past week has been nothing but joys in getting to know him. I can't seem to look away and it can be even harder to set him down. I love the softness of his head in the crook of my neck and the little sounds he makes, the way his body just goes limp when pressed to mine and his complete trust and dependence on us. He is an exceptionally easy baby. At a week old, he has been waking up only once or twice in the night each night. That is a miraculous thing for a child just days old. He is not colicky or cranky, does not spit up, and doesn't insist upon anything. Of course, all of these things could change tomorrow-but having these wonderful attributes going for us has made adjusting to normalcy that much easier for me and our whole family, really.

He has already teased me with a dreamy smile. Twice, actually. I do not discount it because it was not 'social' but rather eagerly seek out the next one, knowing that I am catching a glimpse of his future face. He is keeping his eyes open more frequently and for longer stretches, which just delights me to the fullest. As sweet his face is when sleeping, it just melts my heart to see his little eyes peering out. Even though the thought of a boy conjuered up some trepidation, looking at him I see just how perfect God's plan was for us. He is everything that I dreamed he would be and more and I just couldn't imagine it any other way.

Corynn is adjusting to our new life well. She is sweet and gentle to the baby and it is obvious to all that she adores him. She is so infatuated with him,in fact, that I am afraid she has forgotten how to play. Whenever he is around she drops all that she is doing to be at his side. I am hoping that her infatuation will ease enough for her to occupy herself at some point. While the baby isn't a direct issue, we are struggling with things that may be 'baby' related. She was doing grand with the whole potty thing. She was trained and was wearing cloth panties all the time. Now she is having 'accidents' right and left. It started as soon as Andrew was born and frustrates me to no end. She has also started having some behavior issues. I am not sure if it is because of Andrew or because she spent several days at Grandma and Grandpa's. Perhaps both-but trying to get a handle on it has been a source of great frustration and heartache for me, in particular. It is so hard to have to take steps backwards and to re-train her in things she had already mastered.

Personally, I am feeling great and have 'recovered' very quickly. Every now and again I get emotionally drained with the HUGE to-do and our time here so quickly slipping away. Even getting dressed in the morning is a challenge! I have only a VERY small selection of clothes to choose from. Basically, one church outfit, a pair of pants, and two or three shirts. Talk about frustrating. While my belly has shrunk with the absence of a squirming fish-problem areas have shifted upwards! I have watermelons to contend with instead of pineapples. I don't even fit into the shirts I fit into while nursing Corynn! Boxes and boxes everywhere but not a thing to wear!

For the few challenges, there are many more great comforts. We have been blessed with many meals given by the families of our church. These are coming in VERY handy-not only with the baby but also amongst all the packing we will be doing. I am EVER so grateful for that help. Food is not the only generosity bestowed on us these days. Beautiful flowers brighten our rooms, gifts have been showered upon us, pictures given and any number of other niceties. Life is full of little surprises and we are celebrating Andrew and all the blessings of our Lord at the onset of each new day.