Motherhood in the Trenches

I haven't blogged since Jonathan was born; we've been in survival mode over here. But I recently told a friend I'm so close to crossing over the line between surviving and thriving! Jonathan has started sleeping 8 hours which is a game changer and everyone is finally well, knock on wood. In the last month ...mastitus twice (flu like infection from breastfeeding- awful, awful, awful); EAR INFECTIONS; collected poop samples; surgery for tubes; Luke gets stomach bug; 24 hours later mommy gets stomach bug; 10 hours after mommy, daddy gets stomach bug; 2 hours after daddy, Caleb gets stomach bug; Jonathan continues to insist on eating frequently; daddy brings home cold/ sinus thing from jury duty; mom gets it; Caleb gets it; Luke gets it. Like most moms with little ones, everyday I'm either pooped on, peed on, spit up on, snot on, or thrown up all over, and some days all of the above times 3. My washing machine never sleeps anymore either.

It's exhausting. But I really do LOVE being mom to these little boys more than anything and God has given me a fresh perspective. I've been reading a new book out, Loving The Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic. My kids are 3, 1.5, and 11 weeks; she has 5 under 5 (someone always has it harder than you!) It has short, easy to read chapters and has been the encouragement and push I needed to carpe diem these long days and not lose sight of what God has me doing with his little sheep. Jankovic reminded me it's not their fault there are three of them making things exponentially harder. It's my responsibility to deal with it and nurture them as individuals. "Individually they are being precious, curious, and excited. As their mother, I am responsible to see them individually, even when they are presenting themselves to me en masse(p.52)" I.e. Caleb is trying to get himself a snack and spilling food everywhere, Luke is crying because he fell trying to climb up a chair and reach his blanket, Jonathan is crying because he needed a diaper change 10 minutes ago while I'm trying to get something edible together for everyone. Lord help me not get overwhelmed and stressed in those many moments of exponential chaos but see and help them each through your loving, patient eyes.

For a young mom, Jankovic has so much practical wisdom and advice, plus great stories that will make you laugh and cry! If you have young children, it's a must read and will take 5 minutes or less a day!