Flying Solo

For the past week or so, I’ve been on my own until KC gets home.  As fun as it is to have family around to keep us company, the babies and I are having a BLAST together. They keep me busy and entertained every moment they are awake (and also very relieved every blissful moment they are asleep-let’s be honest.) With naps enforced and nighttime sleep continuing successfully, this is totally a doable job. I definitely crash at the end of the day, but that’s what every mom does, right?

We haven’t been completely alone though. On Thursday we were delighted and honored to have my Grandma, and a good portion of her siblings visit since they were in DC visiting my great uncle Dell and his wife while on a mission here.  We played with the babies for a little while before naptime, put them down and didn’t even hear a peep. We then enjoyed some great conversation over a big platter of catered sandwiches and key lime pie. I was also presented with a couple pairs of symbolic dangly earrings, and some cache valley cheese. What a treat it was to have my great relatives take time out of their busy schedules to come see us. I know that many of the prayers that were said for these babies came from them and it showed as they gave so much love to the babies while they were here. They are welcome any time. I was sad to see them go. And of course many of them wanted a picture with all three.    

I also ventured out on my own to meet up with some friends at the park yesterday. It was a little breezy, a welcomed change from the humid and hot days we’ve been having. So after a good nap and bottles, we bundled up and set out. This was my first solo trip anywhere with all three of them. It was liberating. Getting them in and out of the car (plus all the gear they require) is quite a workout. But we made it intact. It was great to play with friends again! We had to take a picture of the pile of babies we had with us, and a couple more even showed up as we were leaving. I’ve been to the park many times with my friends when I didn’t have kids and it definitely feels different now that I’m a mom. In a good way, of course. My friends were great to hold any of them if they got fussy while my hands were full. But I’m pleased to say that they were little angels most of the time. I only planned on staying about an hour to get home in time for naps. And Alex sure let me know when his happy time was up. Molly helped me load the car, and as soon as we were on our way the little fella conked right out.  I’d say our first trip together was a success and we’d be happy to meet the friends at the park any time (if they have a good nap, that is).        

We also had some very kind friends offer to babysit while we had a little date night. Nicole and Zach are awesome, and they brought a couple young women to help as well. We enjoyed ourselves as we leisurely ate dinner and talked. I feel like so many meals are rushed with kids, so it was nice to just take our time (though I’ll admit I missed the babies like crazy). We got home early enough to hang out with our kind babysitters before they had to go home. It was great to catch up with my friends. It’s been a while since my life has felt this normal and I’m enjoying it immensely.

So even though it’s possible to to this by myself, I am very much looking forward to my mom joining the party this coming Wednesday! The extra hands will be great, and I love having someone to share those funny baby moments with. She is also going to help us tote these sweeties back to Utah for a fun month-long trip. We can’t wait to see everyone again!

So life is good, the babies are adorable, and I’m loving being a mom. Sometimes during the day when things get a little crazy and everyone wants me at once, I try to see those moments as opportunities to get creative. I pile all the babies on me and sing, or just talk to them. They are so unbelievably sweet all looking up at my so intently as I  feel so many little  hands and arms wrapped around whatever they can get a hold of. I could live those moments over and over and never get tired of them. I still can’t believe I’m a mother. Will it ever feel real?