Four….? Did I just say that?
Lexi was the baby for the longest time, but she was happy to turn that role over to Kate.
Today we celebrate the life of one of the funniest, sweetest, happiest four year olds around. We often comment on how “Joy” was the perfect middle name for her. Not only is she full of joy, she has brought loads of joy into our lives.
We love you, Lexi Joy. (P.S. you’re still my baby)
This fourth baby has slipped quite nicely into our family days, the adjustment period has been quite easy. The only main difference is that she and I stay home more. Newborn babies are homebodies, so that makes running errands a bit tricky, but now that someone likes her pacifier, it is slowly becoming easier.
Yummy, yummy baby.
That’s all.
Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted a house full of people. A place where people come in and out, open the fridge, curl up on the couch, peer over your shoulder, ask to borrow sugar…etc, etc, etc.
Here at Hogar El Camino, our home has taken on a new feeling. We like to call it “peaceful chaos.” It’s loud, it’s messy, it’s crazy, but it’s happy.
At any given moment of the day there will be teenagers, or small children, or even the neighbors dogs parading through the house. Maybe just visiting, maybe borrowing a cup of sugar (the kids, not the dogs), maybe needing help with homework, or maybe they just want to curl up on the couch and look at photo albums.
“Tia, can we listen to music?”
“Mommy, what’s for snack?”
“Tia, can I take the baby for a walk?”
“Wah, wah, wah” (That’s baby Kate…she’s hungry..again!)
Constant movement, but a whole lot of love.
Every now and again, I get that rushed, panic feeling…the dishes aren’t done, my kids aren’t wearing matching clothes, I’m late for a meeting, I haven’t spent one-on-one time with a certain child in forever…and all women know what I am talking about.
In the wise words of Ann Voskamp, “So what if your life’s going to be messy? Perfect isn’t the goal. Purpose is.”
Maybe instead of “peaceful chaos” I should dub our home “messy purpose.” 🙂
Obviously the biggest happening in our summer was the birth of Katherine Hope, but you can call her Kate. She came fast, quick and easy! Water broke at 7:30 pm, and my first thought was to put on my tennis shoes and go for a walk. However, before I could get to my closet I was doubled over in pain. Nix the walk! I’m staying home. Three and a half hours later, she was in my arms. There was one hour of easy contractions, one hour of sending everyone out of the room and informing them to leave.me.alone! (Hello, Mr. Transition. How not nice to see you again!) Then another hour or so of panting through the urge to push and maybe thirty minutes of pushing. (Hello, Mr. Pushing Stage. How did you get here so quickly?) And wa-la! She was here!
What do all the kids think of Miss Kate?
Two thumbs up!
As for the rest of the summer, there were lots of parties. Lots of food. Lots of laughs. Lots of work.
All in all, a really great summer. One of the best we’ve ever had in our 7 years in Paraguay.
So, while the heat index is at 108, we’re still enjoying ourselves.
mccobbfamily 