How Time Flies

Last night we attended Kindergarten Orientation at the boys' school. I just cannot believe that five years ago they were only about five weeks old and I was just getting to know them. Now we're preparing them (and ourselves) to leave them off at Kindergarten for the very first time. I have so many emotions right now and most of the time I just want to cry. They are so excited, especially after last night. Next week they will actually get to meet their teachers and see their very own classrooms, so I think it will make it even more comfortable for them. I have so many worries - some big, some small...but I know deep down they will do great. Joshua will make so many new friends and probably be the class clown. Jaron will steal his teacher's heart with his sensitivity and intelligence. I just can't wait to hear all the stories they will have to tell me at the end of their first day. I still have some last-minute things left to do to make sure we're all ready but ready-or-not, the first day is right around the corner. How on earth did it get here so fast?

Speaking of time flying, Eliana will be six weeks old on Monday. I can't believe it! I feel like I just got out of the hospital. My recovery has gone great and I'm feeling pretty much back to normal. She is an absolute dream. She only wakes up once in the night for a feeding, goes right back to sleep and sleeps until 7 or 8 o'clock most days. We're struggling with some gas/spit-up issues but all-in-all we are very blessed with a very good, happy baby. Five years ago with the boys, I was a total mess--stressed, sleep-deprived, overwhelmed. Today, it's much different. I actually know what to do (for the most part) and I do it all very calmly without (much) fear of totally messing things up. The boys are such a help with Eliana. They bring me just about anything I need when I need it. They are constantly wanting to kiss or hug Eliana and she always smiles at them when they do. She could not have been blessed with better big brothers.

So, what is it like to be a mom of three? I'll be totally honest--it's not easy and even absolutely crazy at times. I've already had my first shining moment of three kids screaming at once in a public place and I'm positive it won't be the last! It's a constant struggle for me to give everyone equal time and to make sure that the boys know we love them just as much as we love Eliana. I worry about causing resentment or jealousy. I make it a point everyday to tell Jaron and Joshua individually how much I love them and how proud I am of them. But, with all of the challenges, craziness and stress, it's absolutely the best job in the world. I never imagined I could feel even more love than before. I cherish every hug & kiss and adore every smile that comes my way and I'm so blessed to get to experience those things every single day. Someone once told me that being a parent is the most selfless, thankless job in the world but those hugs, kisses and smiles make it all worthwhile.