Our New Normal

Now that Mate has returned to work, we are finally back into a routine.  Here is what I've learned as the stay-at-home parent of three little girls:

1. Keeping the older girls' schedule in-tact is important. Eliana and I can work around it. 
2. Keeping two two-year-olds happy takes a lot more effort than caring for a newborn. (Whining toddlers are good birth control, by the way).
3. One baby is a piece of cake compared to taking care of two (obviously).
4. Compared to pumping and then bottle feeding, nursing is the greatest thing ever. 
5. I am so thankful Mia and Ava have each other.  The way they have bonded over the last few weeks has been pretty special. 
6. Meals will be made, children will be cared for, the floor will be swept . . . that's all I can promise in a day.
7. Mia is always willing to give Eliana a kiss.  Ava is always making sure she has a blanket.  Other than that, there isn't much interest in being around their little sister.
8. The Baby Bjorn was a good investment.
9. Sometimes it's okay if someone is unhappy (I'm still learning to embrace this one).
10.  Mate and I have been a good team so far.  I warn him weekly that he better be careful driving to and from work because if anything ever happens to him, I'm in serious trouble.  Maybe not the most romantic way to let him know he is needed and appreciated, but the sentiment is there. 

Good thing I developed eyes in the back of my head when I was a teacher.  Two on the porch playing in the snow and one lounging in the living room.