It's a . . .

For those of you who didn't see my post on Facebook or aren't members of our family (anyone, anyone? - didn't think so), I thought I'd announce on my blog that we're having a . . .

BOY!!

I can't believe it. I really can't. I thought it would be a girl. I thought we'd have three girls. We're super excited!

Wishing . . .

Every so often I just wish my job would end at 5 pm (not that I was my kids to go away) but ya know . . . all the responsibility can.

I'm tired but at the end of each day I'm so thankful for my beautiful family and this wonderful opportunity to raise my beautiful and wonderful kids.

Sharing a Room

So . . . does anyone have advice on getting your kids to share a room?

We're thinking of putting the girls together in one room once this next baby is born. We actually have another room downstairs that could be used as Elsie's bedroom but we're considering putting them together.

I loved sharing a room with my sister (most of the time - I do remember nights being annoyed when she had a cough! ha ha!) and I want my girls to experience the same. I also think it really teaches children to be considerate and how to share.

Abigail is so loving and nuturing to Elsie (so maybe she'll get up with her at night . . . just kidding) and Elsie is starting to become a better sleeper. Elsie would be in Abigail's old crib (still in Abigail's room) and Abigail would be in her toddler bed or perhaps move up to a twin bed soon.

So any advice . . . horror stories?!

The bunny

Elsie has attached herself to a small stuffed pink bunny. I thought she might be attached to it several months ago but we learned the hard way that she will NOT nap without it (we tried at Nana's - no go).

Today while I was pumping (a little explanation below) I could hear her screaming her little heart out in her room while trying to take a nap. It didn't sound like her. She'll fuss and whine but rarely just screams. So I went in there and poor pink bunny had been lost over the side of the crib.

I think she's attached!

*We're still "breastfeeding" even though I'd bet she's getting less than 1 ounce per day. Nursing moms: You know those smaller Medela bottles you can pump into? Well, I don't hardly even cover the bottom of those with milk these days. I am feeling oh-so-sad about all of this. Every time my husband talks about it I can't help but tear up (see!). I just STILL feel like it's too early. It's not Elsie's fault that another baby is on the way yet she gets the short end of the stick. She'll be 13 months on Wednesday.

So . . . for now I'm just nursing her if she'll accept it (sometimes it's so frustrating she just gives up) and then I pump 3 or 4 times a day and give her the dinky amount I pump in her nightly bottle. I don't know how long this will last. My goal is probably one more month but at this point I'm not sure we'll make it.

So sad!

Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Unedited Christmas photo 2010

Great is Thy faithfulness,

O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not,

Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been,

Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Thank you, Jesus, for all of the abundant undeserved blessings!!

Days Like This

Ever have days like this where you feel like you fail at everything? I never would have imagined feeling this way so consistently after becoming a mother. I guess that's why it's always a learning experience and why it's always challenging.

The snow is beautiful, though . . . now isn't it time for spring?! :)