The Wachob Family: April 2010

During these last seven weeks of transition and sweet frenzy, I have found myself often sorting scattered thoughts into mental paragraphs - writing stories in my head that capture these moments and all the Lord is teaching me through them. I have done this my whole life... spun my life and thoughts into story even in the milieu. Unfortunately, those carefully laid-out thoughts never make it to paper these days. :) In my head, I have made lists like, "Things I Have Done One-Handed," and "Things My Children Have Destroyed," and "Problems and Solutions..." and I have written essays about parenting and my own sometimes embarrassing failures. Maybe someday they will get written! :)

I have not been faithful in taking pictures. As Erik reminded me, I have one more child now than I have hands - and that presents a challenge! However, I dearly want these days captured on film, so I am determined to be "better."

I love being a mommy. Every day, the Lord challenges me in new ways as I seek to faithfully do the work He has set before me. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry, sometimes I yell (and then ask my kids forgiveness for sinning against them -- oops!). I am so thankful for my three small daughters. They absolutely amaze me.

Elisa is a fantastic little girl. She is full of fire and sometimes she struggles to control her zeal, but she is bright and insightful and funny. Everyday, while I cook dinner, I give the kids a sheet of paper to draw pictures of something they are thankful for in that day. Without fail, Elisa's first response is "Raina." She is such a helper.She loves learning her letters and has a phenomenal memory. She can memorize a stack of library books in a week.

Sadie has a quirky sense of humor and continues to be (mostly) sweet-natured. She is definitely the younger sibling, and often gives in to Elisa, simply handing over toys or (the other night) giving away the last of her shrimp because Elisa wanted more. She has faltered with potty training somewhat after being accident-free for about four months. While I get frustrated with this, we are trying to keep positive attitudes and employ creative reward tactics. We have a fun potty song that she loves (she is really very musical) and a sticker chart to help her earn a tricycle. She, too, loves baby sister.

The two of them were struggling with being destructive while Mama was busy with baby Raina, and I was struggling to come up with creative, constructive ways to fill their days while still meeting the needs of my newborn. I was helped greatly by a little book called "Steady Days" by Jamie C. Martin. Now - we have a "steady routine" that guides each day. The girls love following our schedule flexibly through activities. Being on a structured routine helps us get outside more (so grateful for warm weather!), ensures we get to our preschool time each day, and prevents the destructive behavior. Raina is small and usually in my arms, and we are able to just tuck her into the girls' routine.

Little Raina continues to be a light daytime sleeper, and, as I mentioned, is often in my arms or my Moby wrap. She sleeps deeply at night and is now waking just once to feed between 9:30 and 6:30 - I am thankful to be getting plenty of rest. She is generally content; sometimes she has a little fussy time in the evenings. She has a smile that just makes me laugh with delight. It is so sweet and wide and happy. She is beautiful.

Dyeing Easter eggs a couple of weeks ago. Can you see the snow out the window? We went to the town egg hunt in a blizzard. Luckily, those bright plastic eggs showed up against the whitewash!