So how’s it been since we’ve been home?
{Sigh….)
I wish I could tell you the last eight days have been full of hugs, snuggles, and smiles.
I can’t.
The truth is, it’s been hard. Really hard. There have been lots of hugs, snuggles, and smiles, but there have also been lots of flailing fits {the boys}, fighting {the boys}, and crying {the boys and me}.
We have had a hard time adjusting, learning what our new normal is supposed to look like.
Fortunately, this child has done a lot of this.
Jeff had to go right back to work the day after Brantley was born, but we didn’t think it would be a big deal since my mom had planned to be with me the rest of the week.
No problem.
Then my mom got sick on Wednesday, the day after Brantley was born.
She had to leave the next morning because she was miserable and contagious.
That’s when my crying started. I lost count how many times I broke down feeling so overwhelmed.
On Friday, I got a sitter for the boys, thanks to my amazing neighborhood babysitting co-op. My friend, Elena, kept the boys for a few hours so I could take Brantley to the pediatrician for her newborn checkup.
Our pediatrician said she looked great and even told me I could skip the 2 week and 1 month visits, and not come back until 2 months. Woohoo!! That saves us $50 in co-pays. 
It made the frugal side of me so very happy!
She was hungry, not tortured, like she’s making you think. 
After weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz right when she was born, she dropped to 7 lbs 14 oz two days later, but was already gaining by the time we got to the pediatrician the next day. She was back to 8 lbs. She’s a great eater, thank goodness.
Friday night, we planned to have a quiet night at home, but little did we know we would be getting NO SLEEP!! It wasn’t because of the baby, either. It was Riverson!
He woke up at 1am. Jeff brought him to our bed so he wouldn’t wake Langston up. The child did not go back to sleep until 5am. FIVE A.M.!!!!
My dad and step-mom knocked on our door at 9:30 on Saturday morning with plans to help us around the house. As you can imagine, Riverson was a hot mess and honestly, so was I.
I went to put him in his bed, which was an idea he absolutely hated.
He screamed, cried, and all I heard was, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy” over and over.
All he wanted was me, but he was exhausted and I needed him to sleep, so I walked out…
and burst in to tears.
The guilt was eating me up. What was I doing wrong? Why was he so unhappy? I felt helpless.
Thank goodness my dad and step-mom were there to talk me off of the ledge and remind me that we are ALL adjusting to this new normal.
By Sunday night, the big kids were here for their last two weeks of summer vacation. I was still an emotional mess.
When Jeff mentioned something we needed from the store, I immediately said, “I’ll go!!” He stared at me for several seconds and with a small smile on his face said, “You’re not going to have a nervous breakdown and leave us, are you?”
I said, “I might have a breakdown, but I’m not leaving.”
I actually didn’t have a nervous breakdown.
Things are better. I’m done crying. I’m getting a grip and realizing I CAN do this.
Riverson got out of the bathtub last night and after I spent the last 10 minutes of the bath getting on to him for splashing all over the bathroom, he walked in to their room and peed on the carpet. 
I could have cried.
But, I didn’t.
I may figure out this new normal after all.
So what’s the silver lining in all of this?
I love seeing the boys love on their new baby sister. I think they might let us keep her after all.
Twitter: BackwardsLife
says:
I’m sorry things have been so rough. I can’t imagine being home alone with 3 kids right after giving birth. You should give youself a break and just think about surviving this first month. It’s clear your lovely baby girl is thriving, and the boys will adjust soon (I hope). Let the tears flow. Better out than in <3
Amber @ Backwards Life´s last [type] ..Are Babies Easier to Love?
Oh, I am so nervous. And I only have ONE little one that will be jealous of this new baby! I hope things get easier for you every single day. Those pictures of the two boys loving their sister are adorable. She really is a gorgeous baby!
Alli´s last [type] ..35 weeks/35 days
Oh Jamie, I’m sorry things have been so rough! I honestly know how you feel. Our first week was rough too. You nailed it though, that it’s all about figuring out a new normal… and that takes time. We’re getting there slowly but surely and we’re 6 weeks out. You CAN do this!!
Jenna´s last [type] ..She’s All Smiles
Girl, I SO know what you are going through. It is RUFF! The crying you can’t control, the sudden break downs and realization that things are now different with your other child/chidren. It’s a mess, for sure! I am still a mess, only the emotional breakdown are much less frequent at one month! Know that there are other Momma’s going threw this too! Isn’t it funny that no one talks about this? CRAZY! Hang in there, your doing NORMAL!!!
Hugs mama! You’re doing great!
She is BEAUTIFUL!! I can’t get over all that hair!! It is a big adjustment and you’re doing great! Guess what… You might cry again and that is perfectly NORMAL! It always made me feel better to cry and get it out!
Twitter: stefanieybrown
says:
Oh, my friend!!! What a beautiful family. God has blessed you immeasurably:)
See you in a few days…
Stefanie Brown (@stefanieybrown)´s last [type] ..Five Minute Friday: Stretch
Aww, that sound soo rough. But the sibling love is so sweet!! I know that’s going to make it all worth it for me when our second baby gets here soon, and later on if we are blessed with more kids.
Camille´s last [type] ..First Dentist Appointment
sounds**
Camille´s last [type] ..First Dentist Appointment
Oh no! This sounds so much like our house after we brought baby #4 home… the kids had some major adjusting to do and it seemed suddenly there were lots of tantrums and accidents and messes and very little sleep
But it DOES get better and easier and everyone will adjust and get into a new routine. Hang in there!! and congrats on the new little one 
Hi, Jamie. Just visiting from SITS. It’s such a shame your mom wasn’t able to be there with you. I know how much you could have used the help and the reassurance. You’re exhausted and hormonal and have two other little ones to deal with. That’s a lot for anyone; don’t feel that it’s just you. Looks like your younger boy isn’t ready to quit being the baby, so he’s going to need whatever positive attention you can give him for a while.
Your family is beautiful. Best of luck to you!
Cynthia Meents´s last [type] ..I’ve Been Driven to Cartooning!
Twitter: lomiw
says:
alone with 3 kids after giving birth? that’s heavy challenge..
hugs you for extra strength..
happy saturday sharefeast
Mz.Dolphin´s last [type] ..New Bloggy Friends
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
Oh I’m so sorry it’s been hard. I don’t even know how hard, because I thought it was impossible with two, never mind three.
It’d get easier. Also? You have a lot of love. That helps.
(love how a trip to a store is a sanity saver!)
Alison´s last [type] ..Thirty Six
Twitter: euregirlsandboy
says:
I hope it gets easier for you soon! I had my third so many years after the second (almost 7) that I’d forgotten what life with a newborn was like. It was quite an adjustment – but we all settled.
She is so precious! Congratulations!
Allyson´s last [type] ..This Post is More Exciting Than the Title
Twitter: momsfromscratch
says:
{Kathy} Oh I have been here. Again, and again. Get all the help you can muster and I wish I could help you through cyberspace. Number 3 threw me for a bit of a loop too. The best blessing I see in everything you wrote about was that she was eating well. Praise God for that. These are “boot camp” days. You will not only survive but thrive. Until then, hunker down and plow through. If you need any encouragement, just ask. Ok, I will give it to you anyway—–Good job! Way to go! You are doing the most amazing work! You look fabulous to boot!
Mothering From Scratch´s last [type] ..momtor monday: finding the bliss in motherhood
that would be intense adjusting to 3 kids, reading this it sounds like a lot of work, you are a wonderful mother, and every mom has a right to have breakdowns! hang in there, it will get better with time. on the other hand, your 3 kiddos are adorable! i probably would have wanted to cry if my kid peed on the carpet too,.,.your not alone : )
mindee´s last [type] ..15 Months.
Twitter: Jmroubinek
says:
Thanks Mindee! Everyday gets a little better. The days are still hard but I’m learning how to juggle it all a little better.