Reading

I am currently reading Buddhism for Mothers of Schoolchildren. I'm a huge fan of her other book, Buddhism for Mothers. It changed the way I thought about my new life as a mom & parenting. It helped me see the big picture rather than the small, day to day grievances. I come back to that book over & over again for inspiration and knowledge as my family grows.

I've been feeling so much anxiety & fear about sending the kids off to school, and I stumbled upon this on Amazon the other day. I'm hoping it will ease some of the fears and strengthen my knowledge that the kids are strong independent, little people. They need to go out into the world to blossom into the great people they will someday become.

I feel a lot more comfortable after meeting the teacher and seeing the environment that Miss {M} will be spending her days in. I'm hoping the book will help take care of the leftover "Mommy sadness": realizing that the little baby you were just holding is already going to start school. The first big transition into building their own life, separate from you. Exciting & sad all mixed in one. Where in the world did the past 5 years go?

Over the Weekend

Over the weekend, Miss {M} went to her very first sleepover! What's more fun than a plain, old sleepover? Mama, with little nursling, Baby {J} tagging along. We stayed at my college roommate's [and long-lost friend] home. The little girls watched movies, ate pizza & cookies and giggled. The mom's watched movies, ate pizza & cookies, reminisced about college while giggling. A great mix of old & new friends-fun times for all.

We're growing again!

Our family is growing again!

We will be welcoming our fourth child to the family this upcoming Spring. Everyone is beyond thrilled and excited. The older kids are really hoping for a baby sister [and so is mama!]. This baby will most likely be our last addition, so it would be awesome to have another little girl in the house. The boys are starting to take over!

It was a rough start this time. I could literally fall asleep anywhere at anytime the first 3 months, but things are coming around. I'm not feeling nauseous anymore and while I am a bit more tired, nothing extreme like it was! My belly is growing [I swear it gets bigger earlier, each time!], and the kids are loving watching it grow. {D} & {M} talk to my belly and tell their new baby sister or brother all about our family and the life they will join. They have little {L} kissing my belly and saying. " hi baby!". Boy, he has no idea what he's in for! He doesn't understand, but it sure is sweet anyways.

My lovely friend Colleen send me the card pictured above after I told her. It really meant a lot to me! With this being baby being #4, we've found even family, not as excited this time. I think each and every child & pregnancy is special and unique. It warmed my heart to open this special card that celebrated our newest miracle. You can read more about Colleen on her blog, Craft Lovely.