I’ve had lots of random thoughts running through my head and finally am getting time to blog about them! So much has been going on!
First of all… a story of God’s interest in the tiny things of life. The fall of 1998 was the first year I didn’t teach. I had a lot more time to shop for bargains than when I was teaching and one of the things I found was this darling Christmas outfit. It was on clearance on Target and I thought it was just the cutest thing! It is white quilted material with lace on the collar and wrists. It also has cute red bows on the feet and lace on the behind. I bought it, knowing that if I didn’t use it myself it would make a nice gift. I knew the chances that I would have a girl and at the right time of the year and that she would be the right size at Christmas… Well, the chances were remote. Eight years later, here is my little Caroline wearing that outfit. Not only does it fit her, it fits her just perfectly and she’ll be able to wear it through the month of December. Coincidence? Maybe. But I think God cares about little things like this.
This was a good reminder because lately I’ve been tempted to feel like God hasn’t been caring about some of the big things in our lives. I know He does and I’ve experienced too much in my life to doubt this, but the temptation to discouragement is there. David was one of three finalists for a senior graphic designer position at a regional bank office, but we found out last week that he wasn’t selected. On the one hand, we were disappointed because it would have brought some stability to our lives. But on the other hand, our hearts are still in having him work at home full-time so we were hopeful that maybe God still has that desire for him as well.
Today I vacuumed the whole house. Myself. That might not sound like a big deal but it has been the better part of three years since I have been able to do this all by myself, completely pain-free. I was never so happy to vacuum in my entire life!
We’re finally getting around to sending out birth announcements. I mean, Caroline is only almost ten weeks old! Yeesh. We designed them ourselves and have decided to send them out with our Christmas card/letter. It will just be easier. As soon as we get them sent out, I’ll post one here.
Speaking of baby stuff… I had my final shower last week. The ladies from church were more than generous. Caroline will be the best dressed girl in town for quite some time. She also received books, toys, and three lovely handmade blankets. Each one is completely different and I like each one for different reasons. I have to admit to feeling a little twinge of sadness as I opened the last gift, knowing it was the end of that part of my life.
Speaking of babies… You will never realize how squeaky and creaky the floors of your home are until you bring home a new baby. Enough said.
Usually the first question people ask about the baby is whether or not she sleeping through the night. Well, she has technically slept through the night twice, but nothing consistently. However, I am in agreement with the bib I saw at Babies R Us recently. It said, “All mama wants for Christmas is a silent night.” 🙂
Speaking of what mama wants… I think I have determined what is the most challenging part of motherhood to this point. (I’m sure it will change in the months and years ahead – many times.) It isn’t the sleep deprivation. After all, I can always have another cup of coffee and keep going! No, it is the inability to do what I have planned to do. It doesn’t matter how motivated or excited I might be about doing something. If it doesn’t fit into the day with the needs of the baby, it doesn’t get done. Frankly, I find this frustrating in the extreme. (Just being honest here.)
Today has been one of those days. Other than vacuuming, making meals, keeping the kitchen cleaned, and shoveling snow I haven’t accomplished diddly squat. Well, that’s not true. I did go to Target to get more Christmas cards and also accomplished some Christmas shopping (unexpectedly) while there. And I did work on finalizing Caroline’s birth announcement with David. But that’s about it. I am continually learning how to work VERY QUICKLY when I get the opportunity. When Caroline is happy and David is keeping an eye on her, I move like a tornado through the house to get as much done as I can in the short amount of time allotted me. I’ve always been pretty efficient, but I’m learning to take it to new levels! 🙂
Have a great evening!
Sundays, Infants, and Naps
What a beautiful post Sallie!
My first child slept through the night at 6 weeks, but my second one still struggles with this – so two nights at Caroline’s age sounds pretty good to me. Perhaps I should go get one of the bibs too! You must be very organized to have kept that outfit since 1998! How precious!
Blessings!
Renee
You just put motherhood in a nutshell; at the same time, what will make you a good mom is recognizing that truth, that you just can’t always do what you want or planned to do. I think one thing that’s gone so wrong with the world is women ignoring that part of being a mom and shoving their kids aside.
I feel a blog post coming on.
You did something totally wonderful. You took care of that very special little being that God created! Praise the Lord!
Jean
Sallie,
I don’t even have children yet, but I would be happy to get that much done in one day! Sounds productive to me… I’ve never posted here before but I’ve been keeping up with your blog for a while. The baby is gorgeous!
Ah, a new picture! Love this one too!
Sallie,
Sounds like you’ve discovered the joy and frustration of motherhood – there’s never quite enough time to do all of what I want anymore! 🙂 And our human side goes through quite a tantrum time when we have to make that choice – what I want or what they want (it happens to me still all the time, so don’t think this is a knock on you). I’ll never forget this saintly mother of 7 I know who told me, “each child reveals just how selfish I really am” and I thought, “yeah right- you could give lessons on goodness to everyone else I know!” But she was right and the more kids I’ve had and the older they get, I’ve realized it all the more.
Like you said, sure I can do x or y but I had so many plans for the day and WOW, they just flew right out the window. There are days too, where you just forget the plans until the end of the day, and when the choice is chores or sleep (especially for the mom of a newborn), there’s just no choice in the matter: the sleep deprived will lollup into bed every time.
And I thought your ramblings were particularly well-organized! 🙂 Speaking of this, speaking of that you just led yourself from point to point effortlessly!
By the way, she looks very sweet in her new/old Christmas outfit and I just can’t imagine how you feel after 8 years of holding onto it and now you have this precious little person wearing it! What a treat!
My, she is so precious! And God does work in mysterious ways . . . I personally do NOT believe in coincidences ;-).
I had a question – how do you get that great fuzzy effect around the edges of your pictures – it is so lovely!!
Hey Sallie!
Oh my, in order to post a comment here it’s making me do math!…I really was counting on fingers. lol!
I just want to say how much i’m enjoying your blog. I too am a new mom and I so relate to what you’re saying. The hardest part for me too, is the inability to finish any task.
Your Caroline is precious and I thank the Lord that he gave you such a wonderful gift! Blessings to you and thank you for the beautiful blog~ kat
My mum keeps reminding me ‘this is what you are doing for now’. I do need reminding from time to time. I will sometimes apologise to my husband for not getting much done and he will look at me as if I am mad. I am thankful that he has spent time at home with Daniel so he understands how all consuming child care can be. But it is frustrating. Most of the housework happens in the evening now, as does anything that doesn’t mix with little fingers! BUT- this is what we are called to for now and may God grant us the grace to do it well 🙂
Lindsey,
That “great fuzzy effect” is brought to you courtesy of Photoshop’s airbrush tool in a pre-created frame. I just drop in Caroline in a layer below the fuzzy frame, and presto!
We decided Caroline’s pictures would get a little extra treatment.
Hi, Sallie,
This post made me smile.
Ahhh, those new born days. Honestly, when I see women with new borns now I often think, “How did I ever get anything done when my children were that little?” I know I did it, but it wasn’t easy!
One thing that was a life saver to me was a back pack. I’m guessing Caroline isn’t quite ready for one yet, but I carried Matthew around in one for several months during the afternoons. He always wanted to be held, and that was the only way I could get dinner ready. I only stopped using it when he became a little to excited about pulling my hair.
Congratulations on entering motherhood! I hope you are able to enjoy each moment – even the hard times, as I believe those are the ones God uses to refine us.
Love to you,
Karen Hossink