Up and Running

In case I missed posting an update, Megs is running around.

Here is a pic of her getting ready to excape.


























I must admit that I have made more than a few jokes about four kids pushing me over the edge this year so I have to apologize to Meg who has really been the innocent victim in this little scenario.

I have a few friends and acquaintances who have one child and I think periodically about what it was like when we had our first vs. what it is like for this poor baby who has suffered the unintended consequences of large families. Considering the fact that we were never very nervous people to begin with it may be scary for you to contemplate how much this cute little girl misses out on that her older brother did enjoy for a short time period.

For example:

• Crying children get a 3-4 minute grace period before someone actually makes a move to investigate (we do make exceptions for sharp cries of pain still though)
• Sippy cup? Wait are we supposed to teach her how to use a cup? Yeah she is still using a bottle and I haven't even thought about that one.
  
• Ages & Stages. I have no idea what she is supposed to be doing right now. I don't know her percentile for body weight, head size, length or really even if she is supposed to be in that forward facing carseat. The label said 22 lbs and I think she weights over that amount. I think.
• Dressing up to go in public. Thank goodness for freighbor and some of her cute bows because that is about all she gets.
• Meals. I wish I were lying when I tell you that she has eaten corn chips for a few meals. She has also eaten Fig Newtons and canned refried beans which, btw, she really loves.
• Bibs. I have some nice ones but a lot of times it just gets left off the list when frantically searching for food. Sorry.
• Baths. This is such a fun endeavor but after we get through no.s 1-3 we just don't have the time that frequently anymore. She looks clean mostly.
• Choking hazards. I will admit that more than one person has said to me "oh she has a marble in her mouth." I saw the marble. I just figure that if I am sitting right in front of her I will be around to help out.
  

I still get nervous something is going to happen to her. I still hover my hand over her tummy to make sure she is breathing if she is taking a particularly long nap. I still wonder if I am totally screwing her up. But managing a household of kids just is something that most people can't relate to until they have done it. I worry that I have a reputation as a mom who doesn't care about her kids, and after reading this list I can see why. In the end, it still melts my heart to see her laugh, walk, play with her siblings, and give her own special kind of hugs (known to some as forehead bumping). Most of all, I love to watch her concentrate and stick her tongue out while she is trying to do something. Like this: