Priorities

Something has to give, but I am not sure what. I can't quite get to it all anymore. The beds aren't made and that drives me crazy. Anna really needs her fingernails clipped. Andrew can't keep his pee in the toilet. And Elizabeth is queen of craft projects that are all over my kitchen table. And all 3 kids are trying to sprout beans. Elizabeth decorated the house for Anna's half birthday party yesterday which means there are streamers everywhere. And Jeff has to have a cup for water that sits in the middle of my counter. I move it, he puts it back. A silent war I am bound to lose.

Not to mention the whole homeschooling thing. Perhaps I am in over my head? I told Eden today that I still love her even if I can't hold her as much as I would like. She did give me a half smile today so I know it is worth it. I am just always moving and would like more time to sit and cuddle my people.

Big Sisters

Anna and Elizabeth love Eden. And give her a little too much attention. I keep hoping the novelty will wear off so Eden can sleep in peace, but no such luck. Whenever Eden cries, Anna says, "Don't worry mom, I will cheer her down." It makes me chuckle.

I am grateful that Anna and Elizabeth have each other. They are great friends. They are both doing gymnastics and school. Anna has made new friends and is a good social example to her older siblings. Elizabeth is incredibly busy with gymnastics--she can do 7 pull ups, climb to the top of the rope, do a back walkover, and almost land a cartwheel on the beam. I am impressed at how strong she is.

Eden

Eden is beautiful and we love her. I look at her like I did at Elizabeth--with some awe and amazement that I could have a baby that looks like Jeff. I do understand how genetics work but it is strange to see my husband's lips on my tiny daughter.

Eden is doing well. She has learned that if she cries we will hold her and that if she cries at night she will get to sleep with us. She is brilliant. She is a whopping 7 lbs even as of last week and 21 inches long. We are all in love with her. Except perhaps for Charlie.

Where to start?

Andrew lost his top two teeth last week and is now a lot richer. Grandma Conley pulled one and Jeff knocked out the other. Both were so loose that they stuck out at funny angles. He looks very cute with them missing and is adjusting to a slight lisp. We had spaghetti for dinner after he lost his teeth so he could slurp noodles in the space.