Home for a month

I remember feeling like the NICU days were never going to end and now the babies have been with us for a month. The month has flown by. The first few nights I don't think Josh slept a wink. He watched over them constantly making sure they were breathing. I tried to reassure him they were fine but he insisted that we take shifts to make sure they would be okay. We did that for a few weeks. Then after we were tired of not going to bed together, or really not going to bed at all we decided to start sleeping and when they woke us up we would get up to feed them. So that's what we did and are still continuing to do. The waking up through the night is getting a little easier. We are only doing feedings at 2:30 a.m now which is better than every 3 hours like we were. As soon as we hear the cries we both head downstairs to make bottles and feed a baby. I still can't believe it takes both of us.     

Kendal helps a lot. She loves picking up a crying baby. Blake helps a little but not as much as little mama. I do believe that it is very normal though. Since the babies have been home school has started. So it makes it a little easier just having the babies at home during the day. The days are busy and go by fast. Taking care of 4 kids very time consuming. I have very little time for anything and time with Josh is nonexistent. Everything is put on a hold for a bit. I know it won't be like this for long.  I love my babies but times it can be overwhelming so this month I have worked on crafts just to have an escape for a while. It has helped me get through some tough days.  The babies went to church once out of the whole month.  We will start going more now that they are getting bigger.  I appreciate the ones that have helped me through this month. I have even asked for help which is so unlike me. I hate asking for help!! But, I have learned that I need it now. And I am going to start having more date nights and time for me all I have to do is ask. And I can't give up on the stuff that made me sane just because I have 4 kids. They are my life and my everything but I need a break sometimes and I am learning to be okay with that. I never felt like that with Blake and Kendal. 2 kids was a breeze and they weren't the same age. Having 4 now with two that are the same age is very different. So I made it a month and we are getting a routine down. So better days are ahead :)

25 things I want to tell my daughter

1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood.

In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as a pop culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being leapfrogged through your childhood.  There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?

Grow slowly.

2. Smart is the new cool.

Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math.  Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths.

3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.”

Friends are invaluable.  They are trusting and loyal.  They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad.  Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always.

Friends forever, through whatever.

4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.

Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity!  Sculpt, draw, and stomp.  Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies

5. Beat the boys at their own games.

Football, baseball, hockey or golf, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl.  So go ahead, build the tallest tower of legos, kick butt on Xbox, and bust out your light saber.

Awesome.

6. Be spiritual.

Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it.  Take the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty.  Give thanks to God.

7.  See the world.

Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places.  Open your heart and mind to the tremendous benefits of studying and visiting domestic and foreign lands.

Bon Voyage

8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.

It represents self-confidence and ambition.  A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest.

9. Choose your role models carefully.

Even though you are only 5, I am so glad that right now you have absolutely no idea who Hannah Montanna is.

10. Read something everyday.

From the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss to Junie B Jones, reading is exercise for your brain.  It expands knowledge and vocabulary- and lets your imagination run wild.

11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies – LESS is MORE.

12. When it comes to fashion, shorter does not always equal better.  Fashion trends come and go and not all of it is fabulous.  Half tops and mini skirts are great for an 85 degree day at the beach or if you’re a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, but not for your high school yearbook photo.

13. Please, please, please do not allow yourself to become someone else’s property.  Why this is trendy, I will never figure out.  If you want to make a statement about yourself on clothing, at least let it describe an aspect of who YOU are.

I just don’t get it.

14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date, guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their ass like they do now.  I really feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying that it finally goes away by 2022.  Also, I will flip my lid if you become this guy’s property! (see #13)

15. Being an angel should not and does not mean wearing only your bra, underwear, and a set of wings for everyone to see.

16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used by today’s youth.  This phenomenon of truant letters may very well be the Death of English (LOL).  Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.

What does this even say?

17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional.  Reminds me of Alicia Silverstone fromClueless.  OMG, ROFL, BFF, TMI, FYI, IDK….As If.

18. Don’t let pop culture define you.

I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate our youth and it’s killing them emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.  From the early on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend and big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in their face – be confident going against the grain.

19. Accept yourself for who you are.

You’re one-of-a-kind and that’s what makes you beautiful.  Tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, redhead, white, brown, blue, pink, yellow – we are all DIFFERENT.

20. Mainstream your health.

It’s life’s greatest asset.  A positive approach to health encompasses physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being.  Healthy lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued wellness throughout your adult life.  Diet, exercise, stress management, chiropractic, self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life, health, and happiness.

21. Have confidence in yourself.

A positive self-image assures power, strength, ability, and value.  It will enable you to conquer your goals and allow you to fearlessly pursue your biggest dreams.

22. Be a sister. Be a friend. Be a protector.

23. Love with all your heart.

For where there is love there is life.  Love is universal and felt by all living things.  So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round.

24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Laughter is humbling.  It inspires and motivates.

25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home.  I will be here – always.