Honesty

Okay, really I did feel that way in the hospital, and when I get quite moments to reflect, I feel that way as well. However, life is crazy and is coming at me fast. I love being home.  I don't love the crayon on the walls, I don't love the cream cheese and apple sauce flung all over the family room.  Nor do I love the acrid smell of urine in Kate's room.... But I do LOVE my girls! I love Jordan. I LoVE MY FAMILY. I love having 5 children and my heart is full.

Having older children Taylor and Jordan, make my life much easier. Right now I am getting Kate to bed... waiting for her to brush her teeth and Taylor is holding Zoey. The other night Jordan completely put Kate to bed for me. I Love it. I am happy, tired and a little under accomplished of things in the home. But its all good.  Crying baby and done with teeth brushing, I am off.

Reunion

Like all other good things, there must be an end, however, this is the end of a small chapter of my life and I get to brave a whole new adventure. I am so excited to go home. I have loved every second of visits from each of my children. They all have reacted so uniquely to Zoey's arrival, all positive, but it affirms how each of my children have their own unique personality and spirit.

I look forward to having 5 children at home and to this expansion in my family. I have enjoyed the solitude and relaxation here in the hospital, but that is not life. How dull and unsatisfying life would be without the current responsibilities I have and have had over the past 10 years.

Over the next few months I expect home will be chaotic, tears will drop, meals will be missed, I will be sleep deprived and not my "best self." But I suspect through everyone's sacrifice we will come out stronger and closer together.

I've been reading "Little Women" which has reminded me of the glory of motherhood and the value of hard work. I feel re-committed to trying harder, smile more, hug tighter and increase my patience. I love my children. I love my life. I couldn't do any of it without the tender patience of my loving husband who has been incredible through the last pregnancy. He has gotten better and better. I love him dearly, I'm afraid he may feel the greatest portion of neglect, but I will try to do my best. He will hear the most complaints and tears, and as I am sure will bare it with strength as he always does.

Here we come.

26 Hours old

Black Hair Beauty

Everyone is in love. I love her! She is so soft and smells so sweet. Born this morning at 8:57 after my epidural FAILED! Ahh, it was Kate's delivery all over again, minus the preparation, amazing midwifery coaching. But luckily I did have Ryan by my side. He got me through it. He is wonderful! I cried and screamed just like on the movies and didn't want to make it through, but now I am so glad I did. 

Ashley and Kate came with their dad to see me this afternoon. Kate was the perfect big sister. She adored Zoey and helped dad feed her.  Ashley wasn't so sure about the baby but LOVED the big water jug that I got here. Ashley is my water girl. We think she is kind of a camel.

Later Ryan brought the second shift of children who were equally enthralled with their new little sister. I am so happy that they are all healthy and I feel so blessed that I have had them all so (relatively) easily.

Some Silly Laws

I have a favorite quilting website. It is Missouri Star Quilt Co.  I love visiting it because they have great tutorials, weekly give-aways and daily deals. Very enjoyable. Each day with their "deal of the day" they have a story or some sort of explanation. This was on todays.

In Camarillo, California a man is forbidden to purchase liquor without the written consent of his wife.

In Atlanta, Georgia it is illegal to tie giraffes to street lamps. (I want to know the story behind this one!)

In Tamarack, Idaho it is illegal to purchase onions after dark without a special permit from the sheriff.

In Joliet, Illinois it is against the law for a woman to try on more than six dresses in one store. (Remind me not to go shopping in Joliet!)

In McLough, Kansas it is illegal to wash your dentures in a public drinking fountain. (Yuck!)

Waterville, Maine has outlawed public nose blowing.

In Apple Valley, California ducks are not to quack after 10:00 PM within the city limits.

In Carmel, New York it is illegal for a man to appear in public with pants and shirt that do not match. (I know a few men who would be in serious trouble if this were enforced!)

Women in Memphis, Tennessee are prohibited from driving unless there is a man running or walking in front of it, waving a red flag to warn approaching motorists and pedestrians. (Is anybody else a little offended by this one?)

In Wilbur, Washington it is illegal to ride an ugly horse.

In Canton, Mississippi it is illegal to kill a squirrel in a courtroom with a gun.

Sledding

Oh what fun we had in the SNOW! We love sledding. We went a couple times last week and the week before and had a blast! Kate rode down the sled like a rodeo queen, Taylor a race car driver, Jordan fearless, and well even though Ashley and I did take a few rides, we were pretty good spectators. Ryan is such a good sport to take all of us, and like this time it proved to be so worth it.

It was a pillow, now its a pet!

These are the newest additions to our family.... We got some great socks. I have also wanted to try and make sock animals for a long time, so I thought this would work... Lindsay do you recognize any of them... Anyway each of my children chose an animal and we made these fun creations. Kate's was first and it is our pink bunny, then Ashley's blue (hippo) but we call him a "guy." Then Jordan's dragon and Taylor's rabbit. She was the most helpful in creating hers. Needless to say we made a huge mess taking the stuffing from an old pillow, cutting the crazy fuzzy socks and trying to stuff, create and sew them all into something else.

Enjoy! They all LOVE their new friends.