Believe it or not, we are halfway through the summer. The boys have been out of school for seven weeks, and we have six more to go. I have lots of thoughts to share today...bare with me...or don't. This post is one of those preserving my feelings at this stage in life, so feel free to skip!
The first six weeks were pretty hairy! As mentioned before, we had good days, bad days, and definitely going half mad days. About a week ago, I seriously considered my ability to survive! Chris came home from work to tears...mine! I had fought John all day to nap and was frustrated. Chris is always able to look at things from a different perspective. In addition to reminding me that yes I would survive, we came up with some things to change.
I gave up caffeine. I began spending only ten minutes trying to get him to fall back asleep from a catnap. After that, it was the sling or the bouncy seat...from there he could finish the nap or be content to look around. I also did something Dad suggested many moons ago when I was nursing Philip...throw out the watch. I decided to be comfortable with nursing on demand.
But most of all, I changed my attitude. I am a true believer in the power of a positive attitude. I began to accept that John is a newborn...not a six month old on a dependable schedule. I
tried to quit complaining about things that I can't change.
The result has been a
much better week. John has been sleeping much better during the day...most likely a result of his maturing, but still a positive! He's giving me 6 to 7 hour stretches at night making me a happier mom!
He's smiling lots...at me, his Daddy, and his brothers which everyone loves. He "talks" to us and has longer periods of awake happy time. We are all in love with him!
The older boys are doing great...again loving the summer and lack of routine. The bad news is we have created some bad habits. They balk at having to wear collared shirts these days...they are much more comfortable going to their drawers and picking out ratty t-shirts and shorts that don't match.
They have also become a little anti-social! Philip was invited to a birthday party the other day. When asked if he wanted to go, he said he'd rather stay home with Daniel. I did a little encouraging and we decided to go. At the party, it took a minute for him to warm up. There are so many pros to having brothers close in age, but we definitely cling to each other in social situations.
Another bad habit...Daniel and his thumb! I don't think it has come out of his mouth this summer. During school, we don't take Sheep along so we have a break from the thumb. When you're home all day though, there's constant access! Oh well, fall will fix that, I suppose!
I am looking forward to the last half of the summer. John is approaching that 8 week mark where we are a little more comfortable taking him out. But really, we continue to be happy at home...playing outside, building with Legos, and just hanging out! School and routines are just around the corner!
