Baby is here...well 5 weeks ago

On June 10th we welcomed baby number 3 into our family!  We are now a family of 5.  It seems like Abraham has been with us much longer than 5 weeks.  We have adjusted well to a new baby and the kids are really enjoying being a big brother and sister.  

Lady J is very helpful making sure that the baby always has the soother in his mouth (even if he doesn't want it :).  

 Eben also loves having a little brother.  One of the first weeks home I heard him tell his little brother.  "Mama says we are going to be best buddies".  It was the cutest thing I have ever heard.   Eben also likes to tell people that there are now more boys in our family then girls!

As for me and my job of being a mama.  I am in love!!!  Some days are more stressful than others but I thank God everyday for my blessings He has given me.  I am learning to trust in Him for strength as He teaches me how to be the best mama for them.  

This year I decided to focus on scripture that call my children gifts and blessings.  A friend of mine who leads a moms group gave each of us journals so I copied out this scripture on the first page.

Don't you see that children are God's best gift? 

      the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? 

   Like a warrior's fistful of arrows 

      are the children of a vigorous youth. 

   Oh, how blessed are you parents, 

      with your quivers full of children! 

   Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; 

      you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.

Psalm 127:3-5 (MSG)

I keep the journal in my purse and have been using it to write down blessings and struggles throughout my days.  I also use it to write out prayers I have for each of them.  There is a 31 day calendar of prayers that I also like to use.  The pages are also filled with character qualities I want the children to have, books other mama's have recommended and quotes about parenting.

I enjoy pulling out this book while I am waiting at the doctors or for other appointments.  One really cool story that is in my book was written back in the winter when I was asking God to renew my desire for being a stay at home mom and for more confidence to say my occupation was CEO of the home!

 Here is how the story goes.

I was sitting in service NB waiting for my turn when a young man noticed my X ring (my university ring where I graduated).  He looked at it and said.  "Oh you went to St. FX. What did you take?"  I could feel my heart start to pound harder as I would have to explain to a stranger about my degree.  I have a bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition I replied.  He looked at me impressed with the education I had received and quickly spoke back with so you are a Dietitian?   Yes I replied sheepishly thinking that would be the end to this conversation, but no he had to ask the question I have the hardest time answering.  So where do you work?  Taking a deep breath I looked at him and said I have decided to stay home with my children and be the CEO of my house, I answered back with confidence and shock that I had been so bold.  To my amazement (I know it was a God moment) he looked straight into my eyes and said.  " My mother was at stay at home mom, putting us before her, so on behalf of your children Thank you for making that investment!" And with that his number was called and he was gone.

That encouragement came to me when I needed it!  And on days when things aren't going the way they should and I am frustrated and at my whits end I simply remember that investments don't come easy but the return is well worth it.