Poppy Love

The story of Poppy's birth is different in some small ways than my previous experiences.

But in the most important ways it was exactly the same as each of the others.

There was a lotta love and excitement in that room. The mood was relaxed and peaceful (thank you epidural/anesthesiologist) and I only pushed one time before she made her debut.

(it's obnoxious i know, you can hit me later)

I am grateful for the blessing of healthy babies and big hips. :)

I guess at this point, when I think about the story of Poppy's birth, I'm not thinking as much about time-lines and numbers anymore.

Stepping back a bit from it all I see another story,

about how Poppy has brought so much to our home.

My mom sewed the blue pillow for me.

It was a project I had tucked in the corner of my room for so long.

I am not a seamstress.

And I'm not sure why I always collect projects that require the sewing machine.

Also, my bed is clear.

Clear of laundry that is.

Friday after Poppy was born, I hit a personal slump.

I think the reality of 4 children certainly caught up with me.

(and that is an understatement)

I burst into tears no less than 3 times that day, and my sisters and mom caught wind.

They converged on my home Friday night and brought dinner, folded my mounds of laundry and then took Zach, Lily and Roman for overnights at their homes.

I'll take the opportunity to publicly thank my patient husband who put up

with endless "to-do" lists and never once complained or told me (rightfully so) I was insufferable/pushing it/a slave driver.

These lists were split down the middle.

My side and his side.

Except my side said things like *purchase pacifier *order this/that

...and his side looked more like *build bookshelves *paint and move furniture *make crib skirt (yes, he really did that...he's way better with a sewing machine by the way) *switch light fixtures *clean your nasty garage.

Ahhhhh, I only wish I was kidding.

I can laugh now, it doesn't all seem nearly as important as it did a few weeks ago.

The book ledges are in the boys room.

And below are pictures from the girls room.

A lot of love went into the preparations for Poppy's arrival.

Meals and well-wishes from family and friends have been abundant and so so appreciated.

It is humbling to realize just how essential the kind service of others has been to our family.

And although we have our moments of crazy,

everyone is a bit softer,

the kids beg to hold Poppy all the time,

and we are more interested in making the feeling in our home a little more heaven-like.