It’s almost impossible to believe that I had given birth almost 4 weeks ago…a whole month since my little Ollie joined our family. To be honest, the hardest first two weeks, and a little better it has gotten each week. But now that week four is about to arrive, I feel like where has time gone. It’s been a tough month for all of us. The older kiddos adjusting to having their life put on hold, because the demands of a newborn high…with “FEED ME MAMA” cries, “CHANGE MY DIAPER” cries and “HOLD ME ALL THE TIME”cries…this coming from the littlest and youngest person in the house. I feel outnumbered during the days when Shay’s at work, but I know that lack of sleep plays along those feelings and hormone changes. 
Don’t get me wrong…I love my kiddos and I am very blessed to have them…but it has been tough. I am grateful for my mother in law and all the help she is to me…for my parents and sister for coming to give me breaks and cooking meals and for Shay for letting me sleep in on weekends. I just need to remember that this is only a season and things will get easier. To think…and I know for a fact that all this took place with each of my newborns…but somehow I’ve forgotten. Maybe writing this down will help me to remember…that it will get easier. The Lord is my strength as a friend reminded me.
Now, I’ve come to think that I’m the only one with children who fight with each other, who complain that they don’t like red sauce on pizza or spaghetti or who complain about having to use the potty. But many of you out there…my friends who have come along side to encourage me with emails, cards, phone calls, text messages and conversations have assured me I’m not the only one. Oh what a RELIEF! I’ve been feeling like the worst parent in the world loosing my cool with my kiddos….and have had many many times these past weeks apologizing to them and asking them for forgiveness. Yup, it’s been tough…but grateful that I do have a new day tomorrow…because His mercies are new every morning. Not that I think I great, because that is the last thing on my mind…but I’m sooo glad that I’ve been given the Spirit to realize and see the flaws in me, that I need to stop and realize that I need to seek forgiveness for my mistakes in parenting. I am blessed to be where I am…and a truth is life can be hard at times…but there are more good times that out number the difficult ones…His mercies are new every morning.
(photos by our sweet friend Jennifer Conway)