Half Term with Four - The Ordinary Moments

Half term has arrived and this is usually the hardest one to keep them entertained in as it is still winter-y weather and there isn't as much going on.  We seem to have hit the jackpot though as the sun was shining today and it looks set to stay for the week which means we are planning more outdoor adventures which both wear them out a bit more and keep the costs lower (so there is more money for cake!).  

These four are so incredibly different to one another and sometimes I wonder how I managed to bring up four unique characters when I like to think they have all been treated equally.  They are all so close in age as when Cora was born her brothers were only 4,3 and 1, but the age gaps seem to only get smaller as they get bigger.  One of the best things about having them so close is that there are plenty of things that entertain all four of them still, but I can see differences in what the elder two and younger two want to do and they are often split in half that way. 

We went to the park today and I was determined to stay out all afternoon as they had been squabbling at home all morning.  They spent the first 10 minutes all fighting for my attention and then they suddenly started a game together and completely forgot I was there.  The park became the Polar Express and then it evolved again and again until I had no idea what they were playing but they were all totally engrossed.  Dylan is old enough and imaginative enough to lead the play and Cora is big enough now to join in, to understand and to enjoy it too.  They seemed so close in age suddenly and I went from 'was four really a good idea' to 'I totally did something right here'.

There are so many challenges with raising a bigger family and having four so close in age but sometimes you get those moments where you can just sit back and relax as they have each other and it makes it all worth while.

I have written a few updates about having four and whether it gets easier and in many ways it feels like it gets harder, but I think really it just gets louder and more expensive.  I spend a large proportion of my day preparing snacks, there is always more washing to be done and someone always needs something.  I definitely spend more time sat on the sofa with a hot cup of tea than I ever did when there was only one or two though and my final baby starting nursery is only a few months away now which will change it all again.

We have lots more outdoors plans for half term that will hopefully entertain all four as well as a few things just for the bigger two who get less time off and are desperate to see their school friends over the holidays.  Let's hope the weather stays this sunny as it is so lovely to be out with no coats!

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6 Months In

Half a year has passed since Archie entered the world and things have certainly changed.  Whilst I still have a lot to learn, I feel like I have the 'mother of two' thing pretty sorted (for now at least).

This month has been full of change and Archie seems to have grown up almost overnight.  As well as competently rolling all over the place (and quite often across the room), the little man is now sitting unaided.  He loves to play on his tummy but since he found his balance, he is happiest on his bottom and I tend to put a V cushion behind him to soften any falls.  He loves his new view point and watching the world go by.

We have also started weaning, and after an uninterested start, Archie is now incredibly interested in food and desperate to get at anything we are eating.  We started with a mixed approach but are finding that he much prefers the baby led style.  He has moved quickly and this week we are introducing the third meal.  His favourite food is breadsticks and he seems to prefer vegetables to fruit so far

Archie has moved out of the crib next to my bed and is now comfortably settled in his very own room.  He is out of the moses basket and so has his day time naps up there as well if we are in.  He seems quite happy in his cot and as much as I miss him being right there next to me, it is also lovely to reclaim our bedroom and not spend my evening creeping around by phone-torch light.

Generally Archie is a pretty happy little chap.  He loves having his nappy off and is the most smiley when he is naked.  He is definitely teething now and we don't leave the house without our trusty companion Sophie le Giraffe.  He is still comfortably fitting in his 6-9 month clothes but I don't think it will be too long before we are reaching for the next size up.  He is still such a mummy's boy and happiest in my arms. 

Despite the introduction of solids, he still wants to breastfeed often and nights usually include a 3am and 5am feed, with him generally coming into our bed for the second as he won't settle back in his cot.  Sometimes he still adds in a 12pm feed too but not as often anymore.

This month has been the most difficult with both the boys and Dylan seems to be struggling with the concept of gentle.  Sometimes I think he is just over excited, but other times I think he lashes out for attention.  Most of the time he just wants to talk or play with 'Bubba' and he loves blowing raspberrys on his tummy to make him laugh.  I remember very clearly what it was like to have a younger brother, and I am not expecting it to be plain sailing but I am hoping this is just a little phase.

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