Our New Normal

We’re slowly starting to find our new normal as a family of five.

Things are going so well. I really couldn’t have hoped for a smoother transition into life with a newborn. We’re blessed to have such a good, sweet, adorable baby. The adorable part is pretty important – the late night feedings aren’t as bad when they’re super cute.

I mentioned Joe’s crazy work schedule before… When we decided that he should accept this new position, we did it a bit reluctantly, hoping that it was the right decision for our family. It requires so many more hours of hard work from him than the position and schedule he’s had for years. But it was such a great opportunity for him and for our family. We agreed that we would take it one day at a time and so far, so good. With Joe being gone the second half of the day and into the night most days, and then needing to sleep in the mornings after a late night, it’s required a lot more of me as a mom. I’ve had to do the grueling after school homework, dinner, baths, and bedtime alone most days for the last few months. Some days are worse than others, but for the most part, it’s been easier than I anticipated and Jace has fit right into the routine, not really making it more difficult, just making it a little different.

Summer and Camryn have adjusted so well to having a baby brother around. We wondered what would happen when we threw this little living, breathing being into their world but they have been amazing. They haven’t acted jealous of all the attention he gets at all, and they love to spend time with him, hold him, and help us when we need something. Sometimes, they want to be a little too involved… I’ve had to have several talks with them on why they can’t pick him up and carry him around the house.