So, I've been on maternity leave for one week now...and I have learned many things. I have no baby yet, (she will be here on the 8th if not before...thank you Lord!!) but that doesn't mean I am not having new experiences. Here are a few of the things I have learned:
- My boys have insane conversations. Here is one I over heard the other day: Jack: Hey Owen, can you lick your knee? Owen: Yeah, all the time... Jack: Can you lick the INSIDE of your knee? Owen: Probably. I'll try it in a minute. Jack: Cool. I want cheese.
- I have the ability to fall asleep in a chair after dinner just like my Grandpa Gene. Honestly, it is the only comfortable position these days. Grandpa Gene was on to something. I just don't have the latest issue of Guideposts and a magnifying glass....I get those and I will BE Grandpa Gene.
- The island of Anguilla is beautiful - but we could never afford to rent there. (I love House Hunters international on HGTV. It makes me want to chuck it all and move to a foreign country. Just the other day I looked up rental prices on Grand Cayman - never gonna happen) :)
- I usually blame my lack of organization on the fact that I work. Nope. I am just unorganized in general. I have gotten better since my kids started school, but I totally forgot school picture day. I sent my 5th grader to school in a sweatshirt and unbrushed hair because we woke up late. My boy has a crazy afro - it NEEDS to be brushed. He brought his pictures home today. Couple the hair and sweatshirt with the fact he got scared by the flash and that picture is going to be a classic when he is 30. Much like my 4th grade picture where I look like The Colonel from KFC.
- It is possible not to leave the house for a week. Not my proudest accomplishment, but when you feel like a beached whale - your desire to go "window shopping" or "out for coffee" diminishes greatly.
- I love putting my kids on the bus in the morning. Working in morning radio, it's little things like making lunches and waving goodbye to the boys that are precious to me. If you get to do this every day, don't take it for granted. My little one will NOT leave the house without getting a kiss on his forehead. I will miss that greatly next month.
- When you order a crib in May, don't expect to get it in May. Our crib was backordered. We got it TODAY. Nothing like last minute :) Also, Dan Dillard is a great man and offered his truck for us to pick it up. We somehow found a way to fit it in our chevy impala...but Dan still rocks.
- I woke up at 7:43 today. I panicked. I was in the shower while brushing my teeth at the same time before I realized that I didn't have to work. Old habits die hard. Not gonna lie...I went straight back to bed :) my husband decided to let me sleep in...what a great man.
- It is possible to get caught up on DVR shows you recorded in February. Oh, and honestly, if you have not watched it in 6 months...it's probably not a great show...and you probably don't need to waste your time. The exception to this rule is Downton Abbey. Finally watched them all and now my husband and I talk to each other in British accents....which are just horrible...but we think it's funny.
- I didn't think it was possible to be so excited to meet someone. Though I haven't fully wrapped my head around the fact that in 4 days I will have a daughter, I can't wait to hold her and kiss her and sing her a lullaby I've been singing to her since she was just beginning to grow in my belly. It's the same song my mom sang to me when I was a baby. It's called Turn Around and you can steal it if you want...it's a good one.
- When I don't work, we actually have clothes in our closets. We are not living out of laundry baskets. It's kinda nice. :)
- York Peppermint Patties in the freezer are amazing. They are even more amazing when you can't sleep at 3am and you can have one without the kids begging for a bite.
- Patience is something I struggle with...daily. Thinking you are going to have a baby and having to wait 2 weeks - ouch. That'll make you practice patience. You know, I think it might be more of a struggle with control. I want the plan to work out the way I think is best. You may have already learned this lesson. God is gently teaching and re-teaching me this lesson all the time. I don't control anything...and thank God I don't :) Look at all the wonderful things I have learned in the past week. I have 4 more days to enjoy my sweet boys, and my wonderful husband before our house becomes a family of 5. I have 4 more days to enjoy sleeping in past 4am. I have 4 more days to experience the joy of pregnancy for most likely the last time. What an amazing gift. What a great lesson to learn.
- Also - I love small cube ice from the gas station. The FDA now calls ice a food. I think that is awesome.
- Finally, I would appreciate your prayers. I had a miscarriage a few years ago. As much as you try to forget that things go wrong...that pain is always still there, even if it diminishes a little over the years. The last time I had a baby, Owen was in the hospital for a few weeks. He turned blue and stopped breathing his first night in this big world. He ended up in one of those tubes with all kinds of tests and medicines and nurses surounding him. I would be lying if I said I don't think of that with this due date approaching. Worry does me no good...doesn't do you any good either, but I still fall prey to the fear and worries and the "what-ifs". Just being honest. I would love a prayer of support this week. Thanks ;)