.....I received a thoughtful message from a friend earlier wondering how we are doing as a party of five......when I finally got a hold of my iphone and had a moment with two free hands and 15 seconds to reply, I told her that it has been blissful over the last several weeks, but that time was approaching for me to come out of my cave.....
......my cave is this cozy, wonderful place called home.....we have had two sets of grandmothers here, a week of vacation for Stefan, visits from friends and neighbors alike, meals delivered from our building family, as well as our church family and it has all been lovely......the days have been filled with lounging, taking turns holding Brody, nursing my sweet boy several times a day, venturing outdoors to enjoy the warm sunshine and spring blooms and it has been deliberate, slow and restful; if that word really exists when there is a newborn in the house......but restful in an enjoying the small things kind of way......
.....and because the cave has been so happily joyous, I have neglected things like paying bills, responding to emails or texts, laundry, opting for a nap over returning phone calls, and I haven't picked up my laptop for days at a time.....it's been a gift to have so many people around to help out our family as we adjust, making the cave even cozier.......but as much as I would love to stay in my cave for a while longer and enjoy nothing other than the people I love the most without any distraction whatsoever; this week also marks the beginning of my life as a stay at home Mom of three all by myself......no Momma, husband or Mother in Law here to help me, encourage me or pick up on my lack of ability or time management to do chores on top of children.....it's officially me and my three babies starting tomorrow; which should begin the process of me getting back into my routine, picking up my responsibilities that I have happily neglected and figuring this out on my own......
.....luckily, I have three precious faces to look at in my moments of bewilderment that will help keep me grounded......
Brody's very fist real bath......his sisters made sure he came out really clean.....April 28, 2011.....
......and it seems so appropriate that Mother's Day wraps up this beautiful time for our family.....I have had so many moments leading up to today enjoying the labors of love of motherhood......I have watched my Mom and Stefan's Mom care for our children like they are their own; sparking memories of our own childhoods and the sacrifice and love our mommas have shown over the years......our children will be lucky if I can duplicate half of the things that our mothers did for us and continue to do today......
....so we celebrated Mother's Day with a family outing to our favorite Irish pub......Elsie proudly presenting me with one of the many Mother's Day cards I received today.....this one she made at Sunday school and was sure to point out that she chose green stickers for the inside of my card because she knows that green is my faforit colla......
.....the weather was grand and glorious and we had the entire outdoor patio to ourselves for most of our meal.....many of the NYC Mommas chose the tree lined street cafes for a champagne brunch and fancy egg dish.......but this Momma?......I chose beer and burgers.......
.....and besides our Easter Sunday picnic just a few weeks ago, this was our first venture as a family of five at a restaurant......so the empty, quiet patio of an Irish pub on Mother's Day was a great first run......it's that kind of establishment that has patrons that will tolerate a loud table, lots of giggles between two sisters, and two strollers loaded with kid and baby gear strung all over the place.....it was perfect......
......and my little man enjoyed the outdoor sunshine and cool weather......his presence making this Mother's Day even sweeter......hanging right beside me, looking ever so handsome in his blue sailor suit.....
......so tonight on the eve of doing this whole Momma of three thing alone, I peer out of my cave and am assured that it will all be okay.....our routine will soon fall into place, sleep will eventually become more than hourly intervals again, and I will ultimately learn how to find time to unload the dishwasher and fold the laundry......
......and if it all gets too overwhelming.....well then, I can always crawl back into the cave and retreat......because no matter if I am in or out; I have three precious, fun lovin' babes that go with me.....
.....and since part of hopping back into my routine also means sorting through my pictures.....well then, the cave won't seem to far off after all.......and that thought is comforting in itself......
......because I will get to savor the times all over again.....
