I Didn’t Know…

Even after having three children within three years, I am finding out that there is a lot about my children and myself that I didn’t know. Leading up to the birth of Chloe a few days ago, I tried to prepare myself mentally for how the addition of a third child would affect Caleb and Hannah Grace. I prayed for them at night, for God to help them through this transition–that there would be little jealousy, and that love would abound. I had my own suspicions of how each child would react, but apparently I just didn’t know…

…that the potty training regression I knew Hannah Grace would experience would occur instantaneously, that she would give up potty training the exact moment we left for the hospital! My sister and brother-in-law came to our home to watch the kids, and from that moment on, Hannah Grace decided all she needed was a diaper. Sure, I knew that she would regress when she saw Mommy changing the new baby’s diaper, but my goodness! She hadn’t even met the baby, yet, and she had decided that she was done, finished, never to sit on a little potty again! Now some may question how well she was doing before the baby was born, especially considering her young age. Let’s just say that the three days prior to her having a new sister, she may have had a total of one accident. She told the ladies in the toddler room at church that past Sunday that she needed to go pee pee; now when I ask her if she needs to go, she replies, “Nope. Hannah no pee pee in potty. Hannah pee pee in diaper!”

Okay, so I didn’t get it quite right with regards to Hannah Grace, but I was even further off with Caleb. I just didn’t know…

…that he would give up sleeping after the baby was born. Why would the birth of a baby cause a three-year old to think it is okay to stay up until one a.m.! I knew I would lack sleep for having to feed my new baby in the middle of the night; I did not know that I would not get to go to sleep at all because Caleb thought Late Night with Jimmy Fallon was a show not to be missed! I had not prepared mentally for this possibility, so on Chloe’s third day at her new home, Caleb had his first official day with “rest time” instead of “nap time.” We’ll see how tonight goes.

Apparently, I didn’t know my kids as well as I thought I did, but I still have a lot to learn about myself, too. I just didn’t know…

…the capacity for love that I have. If I am honest with myself, I was a little nervous about having a third baby, even though Matt and I wanted another child. ”We have a nice family now; will she upset the happy balance that we have?” ”How will I love her as much as I love Caleb and Hannah Grace? I don’t know if I’ll have enough love to give everyone.” I should have know better because these same thoughts invaded my mind when I was pregnant with Hannah Grace, and after holding her in my arms, the thoughts left. When I first saw Chloe and touched her as the midwife placed her on top of my belly, I fell in love again. Each time she snuggles in against my body or makes one of her little baby sounds while stretching, I know she was meant to be a part of this family, and my heart overflows with emotion. I can only thank God for the grace and love He has given me that I can then share with my children. He has blessed me with a beautiful family, and while there will always be much that I don’t know, there are no other people in this world from which I would rather learn.

35 thoughts on “I Didn’t Know…

  1. I am speechless. This can be a very good weblog and very enticing too. Nice work! That’s now not really a lot coming from an amateur publisher like me, however it’s all I may say after diving into your posts. Great grammar and vocabulary. Not like other blogs. You in point of fact recognize what you?re speaking about too. Such a lot that you made me need to discover more. Your blog has grow to be a stepping stone for me, my friend.

    Like

  2. Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your submit is just nice and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to preserve up to date with forthcoming post. Thank you a million and please continue the gratifying work.

    Like

  3. I have discovered that smart real estate agents everywhere you go are getting set to FSBO Promoting. They are noticing that it’s in addition to placing a sign post in the front place. It’s really with regards to building associations with these sellers who later will become purchasers. So, once you give your time and effort to serving these vendors go it alone : the “Law connected with Reciprocity” kicks in. Good blog post.

    Like

  4. Woah this is just an insane amount of information, must of taken ages to compile so cheers so much for just sharing it with all of us. If your ever in any need of related info, perhaps a bit of coaching, seduction techniques or just general tips, just check out my own site!

    Like

  5. First off I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Appreciate it!

    Like

  6. I’m often to running a blog and i actually appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and preserve checking for brand new information.

    Like

  7. Hello!, this is really a genuinely fascinating internet blog and ive loved reading numerous of the articles and posts contained upon the web site, sustain the excellent work and hope to read a whole lot a lot more exciting articles in the time to come. http://ejmbail.com/

    Like

  8. I believe avoiding packaged foods could be the first step to help lose weight. They could taste excellent, but prepared foods have very little vitamins and minerals, making you try to eat more in order to have enough vitality to get throughout the day. If you are constantly taking in these foods, transitioning to cereals and other complex carbohydrates will help you to have more vitality while taking in less. Interesting blog post.

    Like

  9. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. Nevertheless imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this website could certainly be one of the best in its field. Awesome blog!

    Like

  10. Youre so awesome, man! I cant believe I missed this blog for so long. Its just great stuff all round. Your design, man…too amazing! I cant wait to read what youve got next. I love everything that youre saying and want more, more, MORE! Keep this up, man! Its just too good.

    Like

  11. You’ve got an excellent site. 🙂 I really enjoyed to visit it. I thank you for all that you share with us here. I’ll come again and again to see what’s new.

    Like

  12. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

    Like

  13. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

    Like

  14. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

    Like

  15. Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips and hints for novice blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.

    Like

  16. I recently encountered your web site a week ago and so i appear to have been viewing which occasionally. There is a a number of helpful tips appropriate and that i enjoy your personal style from the web site to boot. Continue we ought to also employment!

    Like

  17. This really is an extremely amazing powerful resource that you’re offering and you simply provide it away cost-free!! I quite like discovering websites of which understand the particular price of delivering beautiful learning resource for zero cost. We truly dearly loved examining this web site. Love!

    Like

Leave a comment