What's in a name?

Lanaya has been sneezing a fair bit.  Apparently I say 'Bless You' each and every time because Benson told me that the baby just did a "bless you" when she sneezed. He sure loves his baby sister!

Day One!

In many ways, this is NOT a day one, but it feels like it.

Lanaya is 17 days old

I've had a couple C-sections before.
 
I've spent a couple days in my house by myself.

Yesterday my kids finished school for the year.

But today, it my first full day having ALL SIX KIDS at home by myself!!

GULP

The last two weeks have not really been reality as my sister and her boys have been in town.  I've basically lived at my moms where my family has been fed and taken care of.  I've had a great chance to just sit or lay down and work on recovering.  Yesterday, Alanna left and my mom left with her.  So today is here... and I have to be all responsible again

..... and honestly....

it's gone surprisingly well!

Not only did a good friend bring over Brownies to help me through it, and I have a lasagne in my fridge from another friend, but my kids have been extraordinarily helpful!!

I fed Lanaya, gave her a bath, and fed her again.  She fell asleep and had a super long nap.  I was able to put away about 7 loads of laundry AND shower!  My girls were phenomenal and cleaned up the kitchen, tidied up toys and just cleaned up in general!!  I didn't even ask them to.  Kaia and Kienna were happy to help clean and Saryn played school with the boys to keep them focused and entertained while everyone else worked.  Kienna then vacuumed upstairs, Kaia downstairs.  I have sat and nursed while I caught up on the budget and typed up this blog - all while Kaia fusses over feeding people lunch.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am SO grateful today for my big girls and their willingness to serve.  I'm so proud of them!!  I hope they can always dive in to help people and notice needs like they did today.

Precious Moments

We've had a few precious moments since our new princess has arrived.  As I haven't been able to do much, my girls have stepped up to the plate for things like putting the boys to bed.  Last night I got to hear Kaia and Kienna sing to them, "Love is Spoken Here".

I have loved seeing each of my kids hold and fall in love with Lanaya.  Truly tender moments for a mom.

Benson has always loved babies, but has just been thrown head over feet with Lanaya.  Before she was born even - he would come and "tuck the baby in" if I was lying on the couch.  He would give y stomach hugs and kisses every day for the baby.  He's been so taken with her since she was born, too.  He even has tucked his train, 'Percy' in with her at night.  A sacrifice that is akin to the widows mite.

 (Actually, as I type this, he's playing a song on the piano - just for Lanaya)

I have had many offers of help to pick out her outfit.  Kienna especially (who gave her the outfit she's in above).

Jaymeson was snuggling with her before school today...  He comes over with his arms folded, holding them out, to ask if he can hold the baby.  This is about every 5-10 minutes.

Saryn has been sick and it has been awful for her to not hold the baby as much, but she sure shows her love and concern by listening for her and longing to hold her.  Just yesterday she got to hold her again and she just lit up. 

It's truly such a special thing to see your kids love their little sister so much.  This truly is going to be one spoiled princess!