A still moment

New babies are a LOT of work.  And being a new mommy can be quite stressful, even the third time around (and since being the third time means that there are two other children already kinda dependent on you and their needs don't magically change because you're more busy with the new baby).

But.

It's not all stress and hormones and sleep deprivation.  When those things pile up it can definitely feel like those things are all there is...but it isn't.  And when you're smack in the middle of it, it can feel like it's going to last forever...but it doesn't.

And that's a good thing for parents' sanity.  I've found that there is a certain level of sheer survival mode to the first few months of having a new member of the family and it's draining.  It's a huge relief for things to smooth out and there to be a predictable rhythm and flow.

But..babies don't stay babies for very long.  And there is a very, very real sweetness and serenity that only come with brand-new babies.

So during the craziness, every once in a while, there is a moment of calm when we can actually enjoy those things.  And when we found them, I usually asked Grant to get out the camera and record it.

 

Paxton was only eight days old when these were taken...part of me feels like that must have been last week, but part of me is very aware it was already four months ago.

With each baby we've had since our first, during moments like this I think (and often even say out loud to them), "I know it feels like you're going to be this small forever but I know you're not..."  Kendra has already proven just how fast these babies turn into full-blown little people.

But what is super weird to me...is that soon enough all these little people will grow up and have babies of their own...

I'll be sure to tell them that it doesn't last forever, and the two sides of what that means.