So I remember when I was pregnant with Cailin, everyone told me that if I could handle three kids, I could handle any number. And then I had Cailin, and even though there were rough spots, with the RSV, and the chicken pox, and whatever else, it was really a relatively easy adjustment. She was a good (enough) sleeper, and a happy enough baby, and I wasn't super addicted to sewing, so I was able to put my focus on her and my other girls, and then get in a bit of sewing for fun whenever I had extra time. Like I said, I adjusted pretty easily.
When we decided to get pregnant again and have Leo, I had to rely on the words of those who told me that after three it wouldn't be any different. I felt like we were probably crazy to have a fourth kid, but as long as those people were right, I would be just fine.
Well, they were wrong. At least for me. Having four kids has been a huge adjustment. I am NOT saying that I regret it--I don't. Not even a little bit. I love this sweet little boy far more than I realized I ever would (which is just silly, because I already knew how it felt to love a child...). Only saying that it has been difficult for me. The most difficult adjustment since having my first baby, for sure. I realized the other day that the reason it's been so hard is because I was in this place before, where I could sew during the kids' waking hours, and sleeping hours if I wanted, because they pretty much entertained themselves. Sewing gave me a lot of satisfaction. It was something I could do that didn't come undone immediately. And I could still keep somewhat on top of the dishes and the laundry and the cleaning. It wasn't perfect, but it was acceptable to me.
Right now, things are different. Leo is a great night-time sleeper for the most part, but has issues taking decent naps during the day. And I am just busy being the mom and housekeeper and caretaker of all the things. So these days, I don't get a lot of time to sew. My free time is spent doing dishes (my resolution is still going strong! I think I've only missed one day of dishes this year), doing laundry, cleaning up toys and clothes and shoes and food and whatever else everyone in my household feels the need to put all over the floor, and lately, potty training Cailin. I have realized that having four kids means full time mom and housekeeper and etc. It really is full time these days. I won't lie, I don't love it all the time, but I do love the little (and big) people I do it for, and that makes it ok.
The other thing that makes it ok is my "day of rest" when I have an awesome partner at home who is willing to take the baby for a couple hours so I can sew. It's been chilly here lately, but not really puffy-coat weather, so I wanted to make the girls some heavier jackets. Janey's is done now, and the other girls' are on their way to done as well. It was so nice to relax and think about numbers and construction instead of diapers and snacks and the house. Perhaps not so nice this morning when I had to clean up the aftermath, but worth it just the same.
A funny little story about this jacket--Janey wore it to school today, and upon taking it off at her teacher's request, she told her teacher that I had made it. "Your shirt?" the teacher asked? To which Janey responded "No, that was from the store for Christmas." "Oh, your skirt then? Or your leggings?" to which Janey said "No. Well, yes, she made those but a long time ago. No, my jacket my mom made yesterday. She finished it last night." I hadn't realized she was wearing so many things I'd made this morning. It was quite the mismatched outfit, but I'm glad she loves the things I make so much. That also makes it worth it.
