We Got Out

I needed fresh air.  Fresh air and natural light.  You know how it goes?  You don’t really know you’ve missed it until you have it again.  That’s what happened.  As soon as I felt the cool breeze hit my face and the fresh air fill my lungs I realized what was lacking. 

Why, hello there crackling leaves.

Charlie, Chanelle and I escaped for a bit Tuesday afternoon (a.k.a. the day I crashed) for a much needed breath of fresh air.  I had been wanting to work on a little craft that required pine cones.  Or “Pineycones” at Charlie and Chanelle call them.  We drove to a park where we knew “pineycones” are in abundance. 

We explored the wooded area while Charlie and Chanelle gathered pine cones in their bags.  They competed against each other to find the biggest, the fattest, the stickiest pine cones.  We traipsed among the barren trees and enjoyed the short reprieve from the indoors while Chad stayed home with Meadow. 

I have been reluctant to leave Meadow.  I think this is normal. . . or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.  I think we all needed this little getaway, though.  We talked and laughed and oohed and ahhed at the simple little treasures we found at this deserted park on a chilly afternoon.  The most exciting moment?  Finding the dead black squirrel buried in the leaves.  Yes, we did take a picture, but I will spare you.

It is amazing how much some fresh air can revive the soul.

Note to self:  Get outside daily, even if for a moment, and breathe deep. 

Moving on. . . our days have been full.  I’m doing my best to balance quality time with Charlie and Chanelle with the necessary time it takes to care for Meadow.  Thankfully, I have a great support system.  Yesterday, my MIL came to spend a little time with Meadow so I could go on a date with my “big” girl. 

I told Chanelle we could go wherever she wanted for lunch.  She was so excited and it took her about a nanosecond to decide.  Bob Ebans!  Bob Ebans!  I get a bendy straw!!

She even had to take a picture of it. . . girlfriend likes her bendy straws.

 There we sat, just the two of us, enjoying a simple meal and playing countless games of “I spy” and “What animal am I?”  It was nothing extravagant, but still, it was important.  I think she needs to be reminded that she is still “my girl” and I’m thankful for a MIL who gave us this time. 

As we continue to adjust to having Meadow one of my biggest fears prior to her arrival have proven to be COMPLETELY unfounded.  I feared that Charlie and Chanelle would have a hard time embracing her.  Umm. . . far from it.  They both continue to ADORE their little sister.  Today, both of them shouted to me while I was getting dinner ready in the kitchen, “Mommy!  Come here. . . look what we did!” 

They proudly displayed that they had decorated their sister with a headband and a bear.  Yes, they love their sister. 

Speaking of Sister.  I’m learning that she has a sense of humor and is already playing tricks on me.  At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but now I’m certain she does it on purpose. 

Here is the scenario:

Meadow cries.

I see smell she has a dirty diaper and like any good Mom I change dirty diaper.

Meadow is content. . .

Meadow gets really, really quiet and then gives me this guilty sideways glance. . .

I inhale and smell it again. . . immediately the diaper needs changed again.

Almost every time I change a dirty/smelly (okay, let’s just say it. . . poopy) diaper, she poops again immediately. 

You probably don’t believe me, but I know she knows what she’s doing.  I think it’s her game.  It seems that my four week old is smarter than I am.  Little does she know, I’m keeping a tab for the extra diapers.

So far she owes me $23.75.
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In all seriousness, though, I am loving these days.  Yes, I am exhausted, but oh my heart has expanded.  Life is different, more complicated, but better.  Our house is fuller and our joy is richer. 

These, my friends, are good days.

Happy Friday!!

  • Trophy Life - December 16, 2011 - 1:33 pm

    that Meadow! poopy diaper upon poopy diaper – what an age-appropriate little trick!

    so grateful that you did not post the dead squirrel pic and thos Bob Ebans pancakes have my stomach growling in a major way!

    can't wait to see you and meet Meadow and see the kids.ReplyCancel

  • lisa - December 16, 2011 - 1:38 pm

    Oh my goodness!! I'm cracking up about the tab Meadow has going!! 🙂 too darling! my youngest did something quite similar…

    my heart just ached when I read "pineycones"….my twins said the very same thing! oh my….I miss those days…

    so glad to hear your getting to spend quality time with the older ones…so happy for you! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - December 16, 2011 - 4:28 pm

    Wait, what? There is an outside world out there? 😉 I've yet to see it, outside of preschool drop off and pick up. Way to go to you for balancing all of this so well!

    Meadow is just like V. The minute I change his diaper, he pees and stares at me. These babies are sneaky.ReplyCancel

  • Adopted Aunt - December 17, 2011 - 4:05 am

    Love the diaper trick:). Maybe let it wait and see if she still does it! So glad you got out and spent time with Charle and Chanelle. I would have loved to come and take care of her:). I am off on Fridays give me a call. Need to see the kids again soon. Need my fix! And you of course. Enjoy! It makes me want to adopt:)ReplyCancel

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