I recently had my first solo day with all three kids. John's first day back at work after each of our kids has been born has always been a difficult one for me. It is the first day our new life seems "real." It also has always been the hardest for the kids with one less adult around to give them attention (and considering they have gotten pretty used to having their dad around and were LOVING it).
We started out our morning with our newest favorite activity - watering the front plants. We fill up a bucket of water, which requires going to the back courtyard to use to hose and then carrying it through the house to the front. The kids love to help.
Then they each use a smaller cup to fill up repeatedly and pour on the flowers. We usually do 2 buckets, and we fill a good 30 content minutes. Ben joins us outside and we all enjoy a little fresh air (and if I'm lucky, this is a great time for a cup of coffee!).
Update: We no longer can do this activity because the kids began pouring the water on themselves instead of the plants and also started to run off of the front patio…but it was fun while it lasted.
The kids spent the majority of the day fighting. I took them out of the house to go to the grocery store and that went well. But they are going to have to learn to adjust to having just me around! Unfortunately, until I get used to juggling all three, there are a lot less places I can take them by myself. I am working on coming up with projects and activities at home to help keep them happy and occupied. They definitely act up the most when they are bored! I remember how intimidated I was by taking Avery and Rudy out by myself, even when she was an infant and as easy as could be. So I know I will get there, it just takes some time getting used to!
Look how innocent and loving they seem… looks sure can be deceiving!
Otherwise, it was just a normal day...
hanging around, playing with our toys and Baby Ben.
The days can go pretty fast when you are taking care of three kids.
And that evening Gran joined us - which is always a huge help and such a treat (for everyone!)
Ben after his bath… love that hair!
The night didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped, but it could have been much worse. Gran left after Avery went to bed, and Rudy was just about asleep on the living room floor. I let him lay there for a bit, but as I attempted to move him back to his room, he woke up and freaked out. I tried to get him to stay in his room, but he wasn't settling down and it was just about time for Ben to eat… so what's a mom to do?
Rudy took up residence in Dad's spot for the evening… and slept all night (even through Ben's feedings).
I was worried he would think he could sleep in our bed any time now, but he surprisingly hasn't even asked or tried to when John has been home. Unfortunately, I can't lay in bed with him for hours at a time when I have a newborn that eats irregularly at night (although I am lucky and it's usually only once, it varies between the hours of 1 and 4 am!). And at this point, as long as we are all getting sleep, I give up. I just keep hoping this is a phase and he will be back to his room and sleeping alone sooner or later. I don't know what else to do, and I'm too tired to try and force anything at this point.
Overall the first day wasn't so bad. A few trying moments and frustrated times, but we have good kids and it will only get easier. It was emotionally a lot easier on me than with either of the other two kids. Maybe I just didn't have time to really think about it this time around! And thankfully John was home for the next 48 hours!
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