Monday, March 2, 2009

Constant Chaos (But in a Good Way!)

I often wonder how in the world people balance having multiple kids with work and everything else that goes on in life. So far we have one 5-month-old who is the best thing that's ever happened to us, but I really can't imagine trying to do all of it with more than one kiddo! I've heard lots of experienced parents say you forget all that right around the time you decide to have another. I guess all the folks around us with two or more kids are proof of that!

What I've learned so far is that you somehow find time to do things like wash and prepare bottles, changes diapers, feed a little mouth, pack diaper bags, play and read baby books, wash and fold tiny clothes, and countless other activities in addition to the other "normal" stuff. Okay, so maybe my house isn't nearly as clean as I would prefer and the word "organized" has left my vocabulary when it comes to my home, but it's certainly worth it. And I've realized that spending time with people--family, friends, our church community--is more important than having the cleanest house.

I know we are very fortunate because first of all, we have so much wonderful family surrounding us and they all help us take care of Walker. I really do thank God for that. Walker is also a really good baby, which makes it possible for him to come right along with us with all of the responsibilities we have in ministry. He has his little fits ("drama like your mama"), and we usually just end up laughing at him through those. But I guess it's pretty neat for us having Walker do what we do because that's what life is like for families living in Ethio as well, so we can't imagine it any other way.

I've also been reflecting on how fortunate we are to get to work together every day. That's how it was for two years, so it just seems normal. So I've been thanking the Lord for blessing our family by allowing us to work and minister together as a family. I try to remind myself of that every time I am exhausted and wonder how in the world we are going to fit in everything we need to do. I try to remember Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Just have to remember it's all about Him, not about us.

Okay, enough of my personal reflection time. I really wanted to share some awesome pics my friend Jill took of Walker last weekend. Jill also took the really cool preggers pics of me and Matt before Walker was born. We have been getting together on Sunday nights to run in preparation for the River Run on March 14. We both really want to run it (it's a 15K), but I'm getting nervous. I've run it two times before, but that was a couple years ago and certainly before this last year of being preggers and then having a little one. I'm still working to get rid of those preggers pounds, so running is much different than it used to be. We'll see what happens!











2 comments:

Jenny and Dan said...

These pictures are adorable! He is such a happy little baby! I can't wait to see all of you in only a few days!

Melgarejo family said...

Walker is so precious - what great photos! I hear you on the chaos..and my only job is Mama! :) I love that he puts his feet in his mouth...Jackson grabs his and tries, but can't quite get there..I'm not sure if it's the big ole belly in the way or if it's his short legs..but it's funny to watch. Wish we could get these two little guys together soon!!