In some ways, our early days home with Ainsley were a lot easier than I had expected. My expectations, however, had been rather low.
Can I be honest? I spent the first 8 months of this pregnancy somewhat bitter. I definitely wanted more children, but not at that moment! I was resentful that we were changing our family so quickly after adopting Luisa. I felt as if we were short-changing her. I longed to give her stability, and pregnancy hormones and changing family structure didn't reflect my vision for her. I was afraid that the resentment I felt during my pregnancy would linger after the baby arrived. I was truly, genuinely fearful that I would not bond with this little surprise as quickly as I had with Caroline.
Was I ever wrong. As soon as she was here, I couldn't imagine our family any other way. Of course this was the way it was supposed to be.
If only Luisa had agreed. I'll share her experience another time.
 |
| Enamored sisters |
 |
| Nana and Grumpa with the Grands |
 |
| Mommy's Helper #1 |
 |
| Mommy's helper #2 |
 |
| Third kid gets sharpied in on the Pinterest art. |
My brother and his family got to meet Miss Ainsley on their way back through Alabama headed home from Disney World. We had a day at the lake with the cousins. These kids are all so sweet together. I only wish they got to spend more time with each other.
 |
| LuLu and Uncle Rob |
 |
| Caroline and Anna with pirate faces |
 |
| Joshua and Luisa |
 |
| All the girls piled on the hammock. Ainsley will be hopping on next summer, too, I bet. |
 |
| Laura Beth and Ainsley |
 |
| Mimi and her girls |
Then we settled into our new normal. Unfortunately, both grandmothers were unable to come help out after she was born. Philip was able to take some time off. The he went back to work, and I was home with my three sweet girls for the summer.
Having three wasn't really much more difficult than two. I strapped Ainsley on in the sling, and we went on about our life. Ainsley was an easy baby, and she always gave me a couple of three to four hour stretches of sleep every night. I felt great She was nursing well and gaining weight. Our sweet friends were bringing meals. Family members were keeping our big girls for a few days at a time. Life was blissful.
No comments:
Post a Comment