Reality Check.

I know by this post’s title you might think I’m going to post an “I’m exhausted … this is insane with four kids” blog post … but actually …. I’m not! Hah! Still riding on this pink cloud? Maybe, but I just thought it would share what reality has really, honestly been like this week.

To tell you the truth, I was a bit nervous to have four children. And while it’s still premature to post too much about being experienced in the world of four children (it’s not even been a week yet, I realize that, and Miss Love-bug sleeps 90% of the time!), I have to say it’s going rather smoothly. I honestly think the transition from two to three was much harder. This time around, Abby and I were prepared. We were prepared for the sleeplessness – because we never really left that stage. We were prepared for the craziness – because it was already crazy in this house. We were prepared for the increase in the laundry department – but really, what difference does one load make when you’re already doing two a day? We were prepared for how long it would take to get out the door as a family – seriously, we already knew that it takes us about 10 minutes in total just to do up car seat belts (but we still managed to get everyone ready for 9 a.m. church time this morning – and by we, I mean, me – hah!).

But what we weren’t prepared for … how lovely this new baby would be … how much we would adore her, how our hearts would burst with EVEN more joy and that we would love all our children *THAT* much more … how it would bring all our girls closer together – not further – in friendship and as a family unit.

It’s amazing. And I’m so grateful.

Lucia, the baby until now, is, however, feeling the effects of this week the most. She is exhausted, she is not sleeping well, she is crying lots and she is needing that extra bit of attention. She adores baby Lovelyn, though, and is not showing jealousy towards her new little sister – just showing the need to still be *the* two year old of the house.

In light of that fact, I just love this image … Lucia snuggled up with Lovelyn while I was putting the laundry away … makes my heart melt.

Lacey, being the big sister three times over now, is a pro at this …

A little bit of how mommy & daddy are feeling right now … 😉 … thank God for coffee.

Since Lyla was only 18 months old when we brought home Lucia, this is Lyla’s first true experience at being a big sister to a newborn. She is LOVING it. She loves to hold Lovelyn and is always running to get me a cup every time Lucia decides to ‘throw up’. I guess she wants to catch the ‘spit-up’ in the cup. I gotta explain the concept of receiving blankets to her …

Again, a pro. 😉

By the end of the week, I could see the girls were getting tired … so much joy, fun and excitement jam packed all in one week. We decided to chill and do an easy craft for our Saturday afternoon together. We let Lucia stay in her pjs all day – she was just so not wanting to get dressed and I thought it was one battle she could win for the week. Lyla, on the other hand, was being very creative in her festive head gear. Lacey was just all about the beading.

We *have* had a great network of support from my mother in law to my gramma to my mom … I am blessed in that area.

But overall, I’d say Lovelyn is definitely the perfect fit for our family – and she*has* made the world so much sweeter just in the five days she has been here …

More mushy gushy posts to follow, I’m sure. And some of you have asked how we came up with the name Lovelyn – I’ll be sure to tell that story shortly, as well! 😉  Happy Sunday!

October 18, 2010 - 3:53 pm

Petra This post makes my heart melt. I love the pictures, but especially the one of Lucia cuddling her little sister. Gives me goosebumps. Love to the power of four!

October 18, 2010 - 11:52 am

Grandma Gerr Wonderful pics of my Orangeville great granddaughters! x

October 18, 2010 - 7:17 am

Sherri Thank You. Your sharing of so much love is heartwarming and inspiring. I adore the pictures of the girls with their littlest sister. I’m glad they are only experiencing love and not jealousy. That is a tremendous credit to you and Abby and how you are raising them. Wish I were closer to be of help & get more cuddles.

October 17, 2010 - 11:19 pm

Patty I’m so happy for you!!! And now I really want a baby.

October 17, 2010 - 10:46 pm

krista looking forward to the mushy gushy blogs to come! beautiful pics cuz of your beautiful subjects to capture on the canvas of your camera and forever etch them in your mind and home!

October 17, 2010 - 10:14 pm

Tabitha Ahhhhhhh – thanks 🙂 Needed moer of those 😉 She’s just adorable, the L’s were just meant to be together 🙂 Love it! Yay you!

October 17, 2010 - 10:04 pm

Brenda (Gillian’s Mom) Amazingly sweet, mushy, gushy and lovey!! I agree totally ….. and I loved the pics of the girls with their new baby sister!! Lyla, you make me laugh … your head gear was quite the statement!! Ha Ha And the last picture of Lovelyn in her bed is so beautiful, so newborn, so full of sweetness …. Thanks for the sharing the pics!! You are a good mom, Gillian. xo

October 17, 2010 - 9:57 pm

Tara C Your little Lucia looks SO big next to Lovelyn! I’m sure you’re feeling the same! Loving all of the pics – they are SO precious! The one of Lacey looking over Lovelyn in the cradle is so adorable! I hope that our transition from 2 to 3 kids isn’t super insane…but I’m thinking it might be after your post. lol! I need some lessons from a pro!

October 17, 2010 - 9:51 pm

Jo Smith WOW ~ what a small three letter word – it barely describes the precious, amazing richness of what your treasure of a family is made up of. Seriously, breathtaking. 🙂 You all were made for this <3 Thanks for giving us a window into your very very full world – full in all of the great ways 😉
….I so agree with the 3-4 baby transition – WAY easier than 2-3!!! Three's a crowd – anymore is still a crowd – but what a RICH crowd it is!!!
Love ya!
Jo, Steve, Haley, Maddy, Zoe and River Smith

October 17, 2010 - 9:44 pm

Lori Wow Gillian – I love the mushy gushy! Fantastic pics. Your girls are adorable. Hope the next 5 days are as amazing as the first 🙂

October 17, 2010 - 9:42 pm

Melissa She is just beyond precious Gillian…..

October 17, 2010 - 9:41 pm

Emily Dilloway Beautiful girls!!! So glad it’s going so well. AND… I {{{LOVE}}} that cradle! I am currently searching for the perfect cradle or bassinet for our sugar pie (to arrive in March) and if this isn’t a family heirloom (I assume it might be) you should defintely share where you found it!

October 17, 2010 - 9:41 pm

Keri So in LOVE with Miss Lovelyn!! Beautiful post Gillian. xo