Fourth Baby Tips - What Has Helped in the Newborn Stage

Baby is 4 weeks tomorrow. Busy busy busy, that's been life around here! I still can't believe we have two boys and two girls now. It's double the love and joy, in addition to non-stop moving and rare is a moment to myself (but not in a bad way). I can't believe the outpouring of love I've felt from people.  They've just been coming out of the wood-work since Sapphire was born and offering support in homemade meals, or taking one or two of the kids for me. It's really been great! Neighbors from down the road brought meals, two of Brandon's brothers have helped watch kids, and my sis. I really feel the love guys!

This season of our lives - it's as busy and intense as it will get for Brandon and I probly ever again. with the nursing, diapers, cooking, homework, housework, dinner, etc....
Knowing that, I try to slow it down a few times a day and appreciate each gift.  To look at a child's face (Idk - whoever's right in front of me) and just appreciate who they are in this moment.

Last night we took all the kids for a walk because there was a house showing. Then when we got back the people said they want the house. So at the end of January, Lord willing, is when we will leave for Florida!

The boys on said walk. This is down at the creek, a quarter mile from the house.

When we came back, the people said they wanted to take the place. "Do you guys like chickens?" I asked. They were quite enthused about the chickens. So that's good - the hens can just stay in their little home then and not have to get used to a new coop. But I'll miss having them. And I'll miss their eggs.

"Is it quiet here? A good place to read?" The woman asked me. She was older, and they had two teenage boys. I bounced my newborn in her carrier, while my toddler circled around my legs, assuring the lady that this is a great country place of peace - though you get the occasional noise from tractors planting or harvesting in the field next door or across our dirt road.  I'll miss the down home feel of the beautiful country I thought privately as I watched the sun setting brilliant orange on the dried out autumn cornfields. But, that is part of why we are moving out of the country. The boys need other kids to play with. And I need more of people and community too.  Though this is a perfect place to retire. I just don't want to do country winters now that we have four kids. 

That brings me to what this post was about. What has helped me keep it all together in this time of newborn baby?

And baby makes four!

1) First off, my "double everything" rule.  I have two strollers. One in the car, one in the garage.  I have several baby carriers - again, one always in the car. Two changing table stations. Our house is intensely hectic from kids, and I'm always doing 5 things. But baby is also always pooping...so we have one where baby and I sleep, and one in the main area. two refrigerators. that we've done since kid 3.

Multiple diaper changing stations 

Changing table in our bedroom.

2) Order stuff. because shopping with whiny littles is hard. online it is.

3) Bribe the older kids. This one's about picking your battles.  I need help.  Yes, they should just help out the family and not expect anything.  But, I'm tired. And paying them means less whining.

4) Date Nights. This is crucial. Sure it's expensive, but do it because it really is worth it. For the sake of sanity. For the sake of finishing a conversation with my husband. For the sake of great food I didn't cook. For the sake of not hearing afore-mentioned whining for a couple hours in a row.

5) Skip the baby book. This is the fist baby with no baby book. Sounds pretty classic doesn't it. Poor fourth child. But I am doing a special box for her. Things like her footprints, ultrasound pics, hospital wristbands, etc. are all in there. I can't completely lose myself in children. Any time I have to write by hand will be writing in my own journal.  I'd rather enjoy baby by looking into her eyes with the limited time I have.

6) Always accept help! :)