A Newborn Springtime

It has been quiet around here for a little over a couple of weeks now, but only for good reasons.

(Unless you count the reason of the current mushy state of my brain, which makes coherent thoughts difficult at best and laughable at worst).

I am so happy to announce that we welcomed our fourth son into the world in the early morning on the second day of May. Six pounds and fourteen ounces of much anticipated, sweet baby goodness.

This was my hardest and longest labor. But thanks to the grace of God, the faithfulness of praying friends, and the strong support of my husband, I was able to receive my baby early in the morning with joy and peace.

Our new little boy was healthy at birth, and mama and daddy could finally let out the breath we had been holding for months. He is here and doing so well! 

 

Josiah was born at 37 weeks, so there was the potential for concern about how he would eat, as well as an increased risk for jaundice. However, our little guy thrived from the start! He is eating and sleeping well, and everyone seems to be transitioning better than expected at this point.

Having adopted a much more relaxed approach to the newborn days with my daughter, the past several days have been peaceful and full of so much joy.

This past year has taught us more about the gift of life, the tender love of our heavenly Father, and the amazing privilege of parenthood.

We have walked through the deepest grief of our lives, battled fear and our own profound weaknesses apart from Christ, and learned more fully how God’s grace not only sustains in the valley, but also gives beautiful gifts in the midst of heartache.

Our hearts have stretched and grown. And the effect is a deeper love for all of our children, but especially right now, for this little seven-pound gift from God. 

 

Josiah is still just shy of being two weeks old, but already he is fitting in to our family beautifully. We have been enjoying more days at home together, only leaving the house occasionally for doctor visits and important errands like Target and Costco when the necessities are running low.

I think for now I can safely count pushing four kids around Costco and keeping up with the whereabouts of my small children at Target as my physical and mental exercises for the week. That’s hard work, y’all.

Plus, this kind of exercise doesn’t require me to change my shorts. Hashtag, winning.

 

One of the biggest saving graces for all of us has been plenty of time outdoors each day. The mornings are kept for resting and doing a few small things around the house while the kids play, but once eleven or twelve o’clock hits, everyone is kicked outside until nap time. Then it’s often back outside again after nap time too.

I’ve had babies in the winter twice, and spring/summer babies are definitely my favorite. Letting our yard entertain my kids is much preferred to figuring out indoor occupations all day long.

Picnics, pools, pretend play, and sometimes parks. This is what our newborn springtime is made of.

 

So this is what I’ve been up to, instead of being more present here. And while I love this little community, the time off has been pretty wonderful.

Butttt, I can’t completely turn off my blogging brain and I have several posts I’m excited to share with you soon. Postpartum must-haves for the whole family, delicious and filling blueberry muffins, and an easy DIY project for the nursery are a few of the things coming up. Oh, and a round-up of quick and easy meals to serve as an essential reference for busy seasons and long summer days!

I’d also love to hear from you! Is there something you’d like to see here? Are you interested in the details of birth stories? Want to know more about the new rhythm of our life with four littles? Just comment below or shoot me an email and we can make it happen.

Happy May friends! (Can you believe it’s already half over?!)

Here are some spring and summer posts you may be interested in: