And the question everyone is asking is..."so??? how's it going?" (and the rest of the sentence that they are thinking but not saying probably goes something like "you completely insane woman who just quit a cushy stable office job to take care of 4 babies!")
Well, in the spirit of the "one day at a time" motto, let's just say I try not to think too hard about it. I just do it. And so far, that's working pretty well. I mean, sure, there have been some rough moments...like yesterday when the 1-yr-old met our family cat and completely blew a gasket. Beadie simply walked out of our bedroom and hopped on the window sill, and this little girl acted like a four headed lizard alien had just come down from space to feast on humankind. The screeching lasted for about an hour, even though I immediately put Beadie back in our room and out of sight. And of course this happened during a rough moment with one of the infants who has had a hard time adjusting.
So, what have I learned so far? Well, first is that, gentleman, you are so predictable, and I love it. The one little man I have the privilege of tending to shows up, chills until it's time to eat, and is totally unphased by any screaming fits the little girls conjure up. Then he polishes off a big bottle of milk, makes a giant poopy diaper, then passes out until his mom shows up. Men really do never change!
I've also learned that we, girls, are just as predictable. Our bark is always worse than our bite. Our fits are usually a little more dramatic than necessary. And sometimes it takes quite a bit of whining before we accept anything that is suddenly thrust upon us by surprise. Those sweet baby girls had no idea that yesterday morning they would be suddenly spending 40 or so hours a week in my home with me, my funny little 3-yr-old girl and our, obviously, terrifying house cat. Yesterday was rough...I won't lie. There were a lot of tears, and I felt a little sad at the end of the day. Today started out the same, and I was worried, but by midday, these girls had new personalities. The toddler was suddenly smiling at Beadie and giggling when she walked across the floor. The tiny baby started cooing and smiling and enjoying her bouncy seat and swing. And...it was quiet and peaceful and happy...in a room with 3 babies!
So, if you want to know how it's going...it's going pretty darn good considering that we're only on day 2, and I've already experienced a room full of peaceful happy babies. The little bity ones smiled at me. The toddler was blowing me kisses all afternoon. And Bren has been telling me all night that she misses the babies and can't wait to see them tomorrow. And she has reminded me over and over again that she's so happy that we get to visit Grandma and Ms. Kelley, but we don't HAVE to go there. Right...that's why I quit that cushy office job to take care of 4 babies.
2 comments:
! i'm so happy for you! even though (like all things) there are better and worse days, but the worse days are not quite as bad when you're actually doing what you want to be doing!
also, wanted to say it's funny reading your post because it reminded me of when i worked with you. in some ways it still surprises me that i even did it only because i tend to be too shy to let myself get into such intimate situations with people i haven't known for long and especially with children who aren't my nieces and nephews - i just remember the first day feeling so awkward and kind of nervous and like most of the things i were doing were wrong, but by the end of the day i was SO relieved and HAPPY to be there - and it was because of you! you were so good with handling all the kids as well as your own and also remaining laid-back and you even found the time to talk to me! and now we're friends! you're an awesome human and i know what you're doing is so right, for you and for all children involved!
the end :) exes and ohs
Wow, thanks Rebecca! I so enjoyed those weeks when you helped me out...I felt like I had the little sister I always wanted. I still feel that way toward you, and I can't wait to see you next week!
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