I always feel like my babies graduate from the newborn phase at around seven weeks. Lily turns seven weeks old today, so today I’m in a reflective mood. A few thoughts from the first seven weeks with three children under four:
- Going with the flow is the surest path to happiness for children and parents.
- My children are happiest when I only schedule one outing (e.g., grocery shopping, story time at the library, play date, doctor visit, etc) per day.
- Outings are simplest in the morning, before the time when my children should be (but usually are not) napping.
- Non-naps can be a good thing when they result in earlier bedtimes.
- Beautiful fall weather is a blessing.
- Emma has grown into the capable role of the big sister – but she’s still only three and a half years old.
- Johnny has moved from being jealous of me holding Lily because he wants to be held to being jealous of me holding Lily because he wants to hold Lily.
- Baby smiles are the best.
- Children grow up way too fast.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
And the days when you can all just stay home are sometimes the best. They’re divine, aren’t they? I was holding the baby that will be my last tonight, and loving her for today and hoping, just hoping, that I can remember these special moments for a very long time.
Beautifully put! Your children are gorgeous. :)
LOVE this post and picture too!! Your kids are adorable.
So cute. They do grow up so fast! How is my daughter 5? When did that happen?!
It's lovely to see your fam growing together. You've got a totally gorgeous brood and just seeing them here is making me want more myself, although the idea of the long haul flights that we do with three kids is making my eye twitch a bit ;)
Yes, yes, and yes!
Love the one about Johnny so eager to hold Lily. :) Sounds like you are all doing very well!
Beautiful picture!
Yes they grow up fast. Already I am looking at my youngest and marveling that she's a girl-shaped person, not a little jellybean-ish little body any longer. I loved reading your reflections – so true. I remember (but vaguely) the time when we started doing two stops per morning outing, after months of just doing one. With all three kids, I mean. I overdid it the first few times and learnt my lesson. Now they are still happiest when we do just one stop, and take our time. Or one stop+park/playground.
Naps are bad here, too. I used to think that we needed naps so I could be sane. Now I just want the youngest to nap, period, so she can be sane. Even if it means later bedtimes. Ugh. I never thought I'd feel so selfless.
But you know, their routines and schedules change so rapidly that even the Napless Periods will pass and become some new pattern, so take heart, MaryAnne!
That photo is just precious! We are still a one outing a day kind of family, but that seems to work best for everyone, really. Can't believe how fast they are growing up!
Love the picture. I appreciate your reflections as I'll be joining the ranks of parents with 3 kids very shortly. I totally agree that no naps can be a good thing. I loved when my kids did nap, but I also really love their 7:00 bedtime. :)
Oh, what a cute pic! Bear won't hold Baby Boy much. We are having a few issues in fact as she feels I nurse him too often (but, hey, I feel the same way! Why is my gigantic 7 week old wanting to eat every 1.5 to 2 hours?!)
Outings? What outings? You actually do outings with 3?! I admire you.
I feel the same way with naps. Although I do enjoy it when they BOTH nap at the same time! Rarely happens.
Oh it all sounds so good and sweet! Such a blessing with all your children!
gorgeous and so true. Though when she wakes at 5:30 I wish she would have a nap some part of the day. xx
How sweet it is that Johnny wants to hold Lily! I am with you on the fact that no-naps can, in fact, be a good thing, late naps are killing me here!
I have to say that some days I thank God when they don't take naps :) As long as they took their rest. Early bedtimes are a good thing!
I can't believe she is already 7 weeks old!
Way too fast. I miss my babies, but at least they still love to snuggle.
A.M.E.N!!! You are very right and very wise…. with absolutely adorable kiddos.
they do grow up too fast don't they?
One other I learned in that same time frame, always park near the cart return.
Oh, and a snuggli is a girl's best friend (of course mine were 3 under 2 for about 3 months, so not quite as helpful).