A Big Thanks

Regrettably, I don't have many pictures of all of the family help that we have had these past 2 weeks.  I guess that's what happens when it's the 4th kid.  I think we took about 50 pictures a day when Callie was born, tracking every yawn, every eye opening, every- everything.  Nevertheless.. we are grateful for the abundance of help that rushed in to help us in our post 4th baby state of need.

Kevin's mom came and held down the house (and the kids) while I was enjoying some time away in the hospital.  Making sure that Callie was appropriately dressed, fed, and ready for school by 7:40am.  And then had the tiring task of entertaining all the kids for the rest of the day, which is no easy feat.

My mom came and took care of business (hers and ours) for the second week.  Multitasking to the limit by taking out bushes, directing tree cutting guys, cooking dinners, and selling houses all at the same time.  I think her record of selling at least one house while out of town was still upheld during her visit.  Which I enjoy, because it only means there is more motivation for her to come back. 

The final leg was supported by my amazing Grandparents, who drove in with 2 coolers full of food, and a tool belt full of paint brushes to help stock our freezer and complete some undone house projects.  As my Grandma cooked with Callie and taught the boys puzzles and books, my Gramps painted trim, grouted tile, and tackled some electrical.  Now that is how to get things done. 

It's amazing what this family accomplishes with a newborn in the mix.  It was a busy two weeks, but we are very thankful for everyone who came to visit us.   There is nothing better than having that many Grandparents love your kids, and be so willing to come and help out their crazy kids (meaning me and Kevin).  Here are some pictures that we did get during the fun.

Grandma Peggy taking a break to meet baby Harry 

Afternoon circus: Watching a crew take down two trees.  Inspired by Grandma Jan

When Harry met Harry

Best Great Grandparents in the World

Little People

I will refrain myself from loading hundreds of baby pictures and putting them to sappy music.  Although I am feeling almost that sentimental these days.  We like to joke with each other when the kids are crazy that we are having "blessing overload."  But in all seriousness... that's a lot of true blessings in those photos, and we are honored that God chose us to snuggle them.

P.S.  Second thought is that Harry and Callie are long lost twins.  Maybe I do have a set of identicals after all! (Callie on the left, Harry in the middle).

Surviving

We have almost survived the first week.. and boy was it a kick back to baby reality.  I would like to get myself a t-shirt that says "you survived twins... so you will get through this!"  Is it bad if my younger, apparently more energetic self from 3 years ago is my hero these past few days?  Forgive me for the self indulgence.. but I have found myself often admiring the double feeding, sleep deprived Kim; new mother of twins... more so than the worn out, current new mother of one.  I must be getting old. 

But it is good to be reminded that these stages only last for a little while, and before we know it, I will sleep in my own bed again, with 4 children who prefer to party when the sun is shining, instead of when infomercials are running.

It's not all dark circles and fog however.  There are a few things that I really do enjoy when it's 2am and someone gets hungry.  For example, I am loving my personal snuggle time with a tiny baby.  I didn't get to do that so much when there were two babies needing help.  We were all business. This time it's all about one on one quality time, and not so much what time the clock says.  I also will be the proud owner of a new TV in a few days.  Thanks to a tired husband and some much needed entertainment during feedings in the wee hours, it was a full fledge go ahead after just one night.  Total score.

So although we may not pass an intelligence test for the next few weeks, it's totally worth every dark circle and every lost hour of sleep.  Nothing tops a sweet little baby who loves his mama.. at every hour of the day.

You say labor, I say Vacation

That's correct folks.  I consider hospital stays a vacation.  Call me crazy, (because it is required that you go through major surgery, and 9 months of discomfort in order to get this trip)... but it's worth it.  Sweet new diaper bag (chosen from a list of around 15), 24 hour room service, a personal butler (aka: nurse), and all the pain pills that are legally allowed, make up for one nice week long get away.  Throw in lovely family that aid in the care of the older children, and it could almost be classified as relaxing.   That is until our new little buddy gets hungry at 2am, but he's cute, so I will be kind.

Speaking of the newest member, I wanted to share some photos from his very first day.  We think he is a mix of both Jack and Charlie, coming in at a healthy weight of 7lb, 1oz.  Definitely more stable feeling than the 4 lbs that the boys were born at. 

He is also sporting a name that is in honor of my Gramps; Harry.  We thought it was high time that at least one of these great grand baby boys got the name of one of their favorite people on earth, so Harrison "Harry" Mitchell it was.  Middle name is still being decided on, and as soon as we sign the birth certificate, we will share that one too.  Plus, how can you really get that upset at a cute little 4 yr old boy named Harry?  It makes me smile every time I say the name.

So without further delay, here are the photos.  I've got to get back to my vaca anyway.  I think I hear my butler knocking at the door to bring some happy pills:).

The last night of a huge belly!

Harrison Mitchell

Very much looking like his big bro Jack

Proud Grandma Jan and Callie

Love at first sight

Aunt Rachel.. a true staple at all Mitchell births



Half of my lovely crew



Room with a View

What smells like garbage, oil paint, a little bit of poop, old food, is covered in saw dust,... and is my favorite room in the house?  Yes friends, it's my garage.  It is where I run to when I need some "me" time, it's where I go for all things project related.  It houses my recent Craigslist finds until they are refinished and able to enter the house.  And it's where I get to control the radio.  Needless to say, that doesn't leave much room for the main purpose: housing our cars during storms or severe heat.  But that's why we buy used cars:).

So because I am trying to get the rest of the house clean and ready for a baby, the garage has not been left out of the cleaning spree.  But there is something deep down that doesn't really want it to be perfect.  I love my mess.  I love being able to access a paint can quickly and being able to break open the power sander on a whim.  I like not worrying if a car is in my way, or if I have to be done quickly because Kevin's car is coming home soon.  (NOTE: he lovingly parks outside because I've had a mess the entire summer in there - which I promise will change once winter hits).

So the garage may or may not get hit with the nesting bug.  I haven't decided yet.  And since I'm sitting on the couch writing instead of cleaning at the moment, it's not looking good for the clean votes.  Who says you have to stop projecting once a kid comes?  Frankly it is what keeps me sane when multiple stressers are right inside the garage door. So maybe I will keep it.  Maybe I will keep my "Kim Room."  Because when life gets crazy, nothing calms me down like a date with a paint brush, and my favorite talk radio. 

Preschool Days

Today was Callie's first day of the last year of Preschool.  So of course I forced all of the kids to sit right down and smile right up for some memories.  Getting three kids to look all in the same direction is challenging.  So here are the results from our photo shoot.

We decided later in the summer that the boys would sit this year out.  I had a break down when I saw the cost of sending all three to a private Christian preschool... and we figured that they would have enough entertainment at home with each other and a new baby.  Of course we will be reviewing our letters and numbers every day (wink wink).

And a double shout out to Cousin Lily and Aunt Sarah for outfitting Callie for the entire school year. She sure does love that heart shaped sweater!  (And to Uncle Phil for carting all of the clothes all the way from France).  We really do appreciate it.

Toes and Starbucks

If I was ever questioning whether or not little Callie was observant of me for the last four years, I got my answer today during a short little Mother/ Daughter date.  We were celebrating school starting tomorrow, and my attempt at helping her cope with the idea of being completely outnumbered by boys in about 5 days. 

We put the boys in the care of a sweet neighbor, and jetted off in our mini-van first to Starbucks (for a kids hot chocolate).. and then to the nail salon, for a new school year pedicure.  And as she waltzed right in, coffee cup in hand, and found her chair and foot bath, it was as if I was watching myself in current day.  The other (grown) women around her were very kind, as they too sipped on Starbucks.. and it only took a few seconds of directions for her to really get comfortable with the whole foot in/ foot out/ now scrub/ now paint procedure. 

The date ended with a quick trip to the mall to refill her hair bow bag, just in time for school.  We couldn't let those gorgeous blonde locks go un-accessorized this year.  And even though the original plan was to end with a huge outing of ear piercing.. once I saw Kevin's face after that suggestion, the idea was stopped cold.  I saw the fear in his eyes as he described to me how in his view, ear piercing led to make-up, dating, and marriage.  I tried to assure him that I didn't remember turning to blush soon after I got earrings, but I wanted to be on the same page.  So I think we compromised on age eight.  Or maybe 28.  Either one, Kevin's still not going to be ready for it.  Good thing there's only one girl in this brood of kids:).

Here's Callie living up the day. 

A Facebook Soapbox

Apparently it's that time of year again when women start to post random status updates on Facebook,  alluding to something other than what their actual meaning really is.

For example, one year it was posting a bra strap color, which was incredibly inappropriate for women to post when my husband was reading.  And the next year mentioned something about where you like to put your purse, that always ended up having a sexual innuendo, which again, entirely inappropriate when men are reading - and Christian women are posting.

I get that it is all in an effort to support Breast Cancer Awareness.  But here is my question.  How in the world did you support Breast Cancer by making a ridiculous post on Facebook, no less.  If you aren't opening the wallet, then don't bother to post.  It does no good, and it just appears immature. 
Seeing as this year is a post about being so many "weeks," and craving some type of food... is it really that  funny to tempt people into thinking your update is about an impending pregnancy? 

Maybe it's just a soapbox I should step down from.  It's Facebook, after all.  Not a headline in a political magazine or Journal.  But my beef will remain, espicially with professing Chrsitian women.  They seem unable to recognize the problem with compartmentalizing Facebook status updates with conflicting Biblical beliefs.  Let's all remember that in this new social networking erra that we live, a venue such as Facebook speaks just as much to our testimonies as our public and private lives do. 

And if you really want to support a cause... get involved or give money.  Posting words is not helpful.  Rather childish and immature.  Excuse the harsh tone, but this is my blog, and I can write what I want to.  (Or I might just be cranky with a huge belly).