Every Day Life

I have this great post written in my head about how the transition to 3 has been easier than bringing home #1 or #2, but unfortunately, my free time is more limited these days (this post is brought to you by a sleeping newborn and Elmo the Musical) so here is the basic cliff notes version:

1. The boys are big enough to help. 

When we brought C home, he was helpless and I was sure that if I didn't watch him breathe, he would die. When we brought B home, I was worried that if I watched him breathe, I would hurt Cullen's feelings. Now, I can say things like "Cullen, watch your brother, I'm going to get dressed" and "B go get Mommy a diaper for the baby". I also spend very little time watching anyone breathe because if they are all sleeping, I've got things to do.

 2. We are more relaxed as parents.

-Baby needs to wake up between 9-10pm so he will sleep for a few hours at night. He doesn't appreciate when I wake him up, but now that I know better, I will pry those tight eyes open.

-We aren't afraid that public, or sun, will kill the baby.

-We let the boys 'play' with their brother instead of worrying that a little dirt or germy fingers is going to be harmful.

3. I suffer from Post Partum Elation. (A term given to me by Marie). 

In the picture below, I am 39 weeks and 4 days (he was born at 39 +6). I was miserable, but I can't actually remember it; Absolutely no recollection of how much I hated being pregnant (not to be confused with grateful for the ability to be pregnant). At the hospital, I laughed at one of Kev's jokes hours after Wells was born and Kev looked at me and said "Oh, it is so nice to have you back." 

Outfits from Janie and Jack and Monterey County Wine also help with this situation.

 4. Family, family, family.

I now understand why a lot of people move home, given the option. Having family around has made this transition 3902834509284 times easier than being on our own with C and B. The big boys have spent the night at my mom's the past 4 out of 5 Wednesdays, I have no shame in admitting that. I grew up spending several nights a month with grandparents and they are some of my fondest memories.  Meanwhile, my inlaws have brought over dinner every weekend and I love it. We are taking advantage of the help while we can. (And honestly, I think the grandparents might be having the most fun.)

Wells also got to meet Great Uncle Pete, Aunt Lori and cousin Mason last weekend.

And Great-Grandparents, my Oma and Opa

5. We are a better and more mature couple, and we have learned to trust our instincts.

I am not afraid to ask Kev for help. He's not afraid to tell me that he needs a minute to go for a run or take a break. We try our best not to compare who has the harder job in this situation. 

 We are now confident that we know what is best for our children, and that makes #3 a lot easier than 1 or 2, when we spent a lot of time freaking out about doing things 'right'.

Also, I still think he is the most handsome man in the world. 

6. When all else fails (the baby is crying, I am sleep deprived, Kev has a long day at work, no family is available to come help, Bennett won't poop on the potty, Cullen is being bosy...) I can send the boys downstairs to punch each other in the face play.

And that my friends, is why #3, so far, has been pretty dang easy. 

Hope you have a great long weekend and Happy Football Season!

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For more snapshots of every day life, you can follow me on Instagram - katedaffodils