Saturday, August 16, 2014

Week In Review - Ten Things Of Thankful (61)


Ten Things of Thankful



Saturday again, this week just flew by. I can't believe that last Saturday I was itchy and miserable, thinking about which one of the girls to take grocery shopping (early riser Violet had the honor because Lily had just woken up by the time we were ready to head out); this morning, I was thinking about the same when it dawned on me that we ALL would go shopping because there's no way I could lift all the groceries only days after giving birth. It definitely start to realize how our lives have changed in the little details since Monday. I know that some changes are only temporarily, others definitely permanent, with the arrival of little Calvin.

This week's thankfuls (and I do apologize that they are  VERY baby-heavy!!):

1. First and foremost we are incredibly thankful for a healthy baby. Even after two births, I was still nervous, hoping that everything would go well; and even though the birth did not go as planned, we once again could welcome a healthy child, everything else is secondary.

2. Said baby being an incredibly good sleeper. I am totally not sleep deprived as he only wakes up once or twice a night for 15 minutes at the most.

3. Maternity and parental protection laws here in Germany that allow me to take quite some time off work to take care of my family without having to fear losing my job or facing bankruptcy.

4. Violet taking to her little brother so well. When we first told her that there was another baby on the way, she was not happy, but with my belly her excitement grew as well and she's doing so well taking care of Calvin now. It's a joy watching the two of them together.

5. Family somewhat nearby who checks up on us and comes visit. I easily feel cooped up and get into major cabin fever, and unfortunately, the weather is not nice enough right now to allow for short walks in the neighborhood, so their phone calls and visits sure are a nice diversion for me.

6. Living in a family friendly town. There are so many summer break activities, especially for Lily, to keep them busy. Next year I'm definitely getting her the summer break pass with even more activities in the area.

7. Finally getting used to diapering a boy. Even though I have some 6 years + of diapering experience, I felt like such a dilettante when I changed his first diaper; my sister confessed later that she had to hold back a good laugh watching me struggling, but probably she hadn't been any better  :-)  After two days of practicing I now manage to change his diaper without having to change his entire outfit most of the time.

8. So many friends in town who offer to help out with the girls should we need it. So far, everything's been very easy and relaxing, but who knows, there may be a time when we need it.

9. Guilt-free dessert. All I say is warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. yummie!!!

10. Last but definitely not least a wonderful midwife who has taken me on for the post-natal care on quite short notice. She's such a great person and I've been in love with her from the beginning.


I wish everyone a wonderful weekend. About to watch a boxing match with Calvin, even though he's probably going to be totally unimpressed and sleep through most of it.

27 comments:

  1. (possible) Frist(?)
    cool… congratulations again, sounds like changes are all good and positive. (Like the name, Calvin)
    …all hail Y Chromia!

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    1. Yay, first :-) We are really lucky with this little one, so yes, we're mostly positive right now!!

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  2. Oh, congratulations! Welcome, Calvin! What wonderful news!
    I am so glad to hear of the arrival of a healthy baby boy, and so very, very impressed that you are back in with the TToT so soon after. I guess, baby #3, no big deal, huh? Aside of the diapering... I remember being a little kerflummoxed myself after a daughter.
    Such wonderful news to read! Babies make everything happier!

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    1. They definitely do, Sarah! Somehow, even baby no. 3 is still so very special, especially since he's going to be our last one. I just tend to be up and running really quickly again after giving birth, always been like that for me luckily :-) Thanks so much for your well-wishes!

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  3. Welcome to the world, baby Calvin! You've picked a great family to join! And are you ever lucky that your mom had you in Germany and gets so much time to be with you right now! Be kind to your mom in the diapering department. I know it's great fun for little boys to whiz on their mamas, but maybe only do it once and try not to get it in her face. Sleep well and enjoy having big sisters who will want to take care of you and love you until you really want to be left alone. Be patient; the new will wear off of you eventually and they won't bug you all the time. You can get even with them when you're crawling! Take care of your mom! She worked hard growing you and needs her rest sometimes!

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    1. Ok, I go and cry now for a bit before I can properly respond to this comment :-) Thank you so, so much for your kind words. I'm really in tears and quite honestly at a lack of words. Wishing you the best of weeks!! Hugs to you, Dyanne!

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  4. I am so glad that you have so many amazing people around you willing to help out. :)

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    1. We are, too! Without family around, it indeed takes a village to raise kids :-) We try and be as self-sufficient as possible, but sometimes we just need to ask for or accept help that's been offered to us, and there's no shame in it!

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  5. Stephanie! Congratulations! How exciting for you and your family to finally welcome your new bouncing baby boy! This is such a moment of wonderful in a less than wonderful week.

    Thank goodness for German laws and babies who sleep well.You have so much to be grateful for.

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    1. We're so happy to have him with us, too! It's definitely easier with him as an outside baby than the last weeks as an inside baby :-) I am really glad to finally be able to take advantage of those wonderful maternity laws in Germany here, especially since Lily is also entering a new stage in her life soon and I'm glad to be home to support her as much as possible. Hope you have a great week, Sandy!

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  6. Always have something ready to cover the boy before you take that diaper off! Even when you are a pro and super fast at the changing, keep a cover handy! :)
    I'm glad these first days are going so well for you. Watching my older kids with the little ones are some of my favorite memories. Sounds like your girls are just as sweet.

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    1. MY pediatrician recommended nursing pads.. That may be the most ingenious idea ever :-) Thanks so much for stopping by, Christine!!

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  7. Many congratulations :) Glad everything seems to be going well in these early days.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lizzi! We're really glad how things go as well :-)

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  8. Congratulations--on both the new little one, and for the luck of having a good sleeper! Babies are wonderful, no matter what, but not being sleep-deprived sure helps in recuperation. :-)

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    1. I totally agree, Kristi! This time around has been such an easy recovery. I felt ready to rock everything just a couple of days after Calvin was born. But I know I need to be careful and not do too much too quickly to avoid causing damage to my body, so I don't feel bad spending a few hours on the couch cuddling the baby :-)

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  9. Once again, congratulations to all of you, especially the part about how Calvin is a good sleeper! Woot!

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    1. Thanks so much, Lisa! We're really excited about him being such a good sleeper and just a very, very sweet boy in general :-)

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  10. A HUGE congratulations on the newest addition to the family!! Hey to all at home, and so glad that the siblings are getting along well. A wonderful week ahead!!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Michelle! I do feel bad for having to neglect the girls at times or having to tell them to give me space to take care of the baby, but luckily, they are very, very understanding most times. Have a wonderful week as well!

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  11. Congratulations!!!! ahh all so sweet! There is always so much to be thankful for when a new little person arrives!

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    1. This is definitely true, Tricia! Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful week!

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  12. Yay! Congratulations again! Love that you get so much maternity :)

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    1. I am really glad about having so much time off, too, Kate! I hope you have a great week!

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  13. Aww, congrats again and I will admit that the diaper changes were a big fear to me if I had a boy. But sounds like you are doing great and wouldn't have expected any less from you :)

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    1. It was SO weird at first, but after a few trials, you'd get used to it :-) I need to find out if boy moms feel the same when they have a girl :-) Hope you have a great week!!

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