Calm

Things seem to be calming down around the Clark house.  

Bobby has long since returned to work and the kids have long since returned to their school work.  

We've managed to throw together two birthday parties for the older kids.  And they had fun and enjoyed them even without all the decorations and cutesy things I normally do.  Less really may be more.  A Frozen party for Hannah -our big 9 year old (last year in the single digits...sniff) and a Skylander party for Samuel - our sweet 7 year old.

We're ever so slowly starting to get into a good routine.  Because Shiloh is so laid back and the kids are such great helpers I easily get my housework done each day.  Not much beyond the basic sweeping/washing/vacuuming to be sure but I know that one day I'll be able to deep clean the house again -but who cares about that right now?

Nights are rather hit or miss at the moment.  Shiloh went from being a fairly good sleeper to being an erratic sleeper.  I really don't know what I'm going to get each night.  And each night I tell myself I won't get frustrated if it's not a good night and each time I fail.  I love sleep too much and I am not a pleasant person at night.  Poor Shiloh.  I'm thankful that he doesn't understand or remember all the rather mean things I utter in the wee hours of the morning.  We've gotten one night where he slept 9 hours straight!  It has to get better.  It can only get better. 

I feel like I have been more relaxed this time around though.  I can remember getting totally stressed out if Hannah cried while I was trying to wash dishes or take a shower.  Now I don't even bat an eye if Shiloh is having a complete meltdown while I fold the laundry.  I know that he's fine and that he does have to learn to be content & entertain himself.  It's harder for the kids to let him cry it out.  They want to pick him up or give him his pacifier.  I don't mind but sometimes I make them leave him be so that he can get used to be near us all but not being held by someone.

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Our dear sweet friends, the Moore's, moved to GA early last year.  It's been hard for me because I love Dory so much.  She & I love all things Vera Bradley and Downton Abbey related.  Occasionally they are able to come to town for a quick visit and we will meet up for lunch.  This past Monday Bobby & I were able to meet them at Chick-fil-A for lunch.  I told my dear Countess that she is the only person in the world I would load my four kids up in the pouring rain and drive 35 minutes to visit.