Ball of Love

We're still in the early stages, but I'm just going to be bold and come out and say it: the transition from 3 kids to 4 has not been the big challenge I thought it would be. For me, I'm thinking it will remain 2 to 3. But there are many reasons for that. Not that least of which is the fact that when Lucas was born, Connor was barely 4 and Isabel was 20 months. I had two in diapers. I had to get all three of them dressed, shoes on, etc. So when we went somewhere I had to get three kids ready, plus myself.

The gap from Lucas to Mason is the largest gap between any of my kids (almost exactly 3 years). No double diapers this time. Everyone else can dress themselves, potty themselves, get their shoes on. So when we go somewhere I pretty much just have to get Mason ready - and me, of course. It's rather dreamy.

Then throw into the mix the fact that the older kids have been extremely helpful - especially Connor. As of yet, they have all accepted Mason seamlessly, as though there was never a time he wasn't in our home. This has simplified things A LOT. They are all crazy about Mason; I frequently hear "Mom, Mason is so cute!" "I really love Mason." "Can I hold Mason?" and other such sentiments. Connor loves to check his diaper for me, give him a pacifier, hold him. So many extra helping hands!

The greatest thing I've done this week was teach Connor how to serve breakfast for everyone for those mornings I'm bleary-eye tired (there have been many of these). He can mix up a pitcher of juice, slice up some banana, and serve up a mean bowl of Cheerios. And he loves the extra responsibility. Really, it's a win-win. Unless I'm also feeding Mason while I'm on the couch half-asleep and the kids are eating, and then it's a win-win-win.

My biggest challenge is sleep. Mason is actually a great baby, usually happy unless he's tired or hungry. He's not up for long periods of time at night, but he does wake up every 2 1/2 or 3 hours, sometimes more frequently. So three straight weeks of no more than 3 hours straight of sleep takes a toll! But we all to through it. And I am totally able to grab afternoon naps often while Lucas naps and Connor and Isabel have quiet movie time.

Other than that, I'm feeling pretty good. Mason is a super nurser, probably the best nurser of the bunch. And have I mentioned what a love he is? Isabel calls him a "little ball of love." Which he is. I love how he already responds to everyone's voices, and looks for our faces when we are near him.

I'm not a great photographer, and find taking good pictures of a newborn to be a challenge. But here are a few more-

I can't believe I was worried about adding him to the mix. He completes us perfectly.