Wednesday, October 15, 2008

And you're sitting on my foot

Monday was a rough day all the way around at chez hok. All the kids were home from school for the holiday, and it was Elizabeth's first real day at home, so the novelty factor was still huge. Every time I tried to nurse her or pump milk, I'd have three other kids in my lap wanting to watch.

And to complicate matters, B came down with some horrible stomach bug that had him throwing up for hours. I quarantined him the back of the house and took him gatorade every few hours.

Fortunately, knittergran is here, and she was a huge help with the kids. I don't know what I would have done had I been solo with all four.

Lily had a particularly rough day of it. At one point I found her in bed with her covers over her head. I sat down next to her to have a little chat.

H: Are you having a rough day?
L: (muffled by covers) Yes.
H: I know it's hard. Everyone's paying attention to Elizabeth because she's new, and everyone's paying attention to Ella because it's her birthday.
L: (muffled) And you're sitting on my foot!

I had no idea I had added to Lily's woes by sitting on her foot. I curled up with Lily in her bed for a while and just loved on her. Fortunately, our divine neighbor L saved the day later by inviting Lily over for a playdate, cup cake party and dinner.

B and I are trying to remember to take time each day to give Lily some undivided attention to make sure she doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Yesterday, B made a mountain of Chex Mix and had Lily be his sous chef. She also got some one-on-one time with knittergran while Ella was at rock climbing. I think she had a better day all around.

And finally, an update on Elizabeth. We took her for her first check-up yesterday, and she has gained a whopping three ounces since Sunday. That may not seem like a lot, but when you weigh less than five pounds, it's a significant amount of weight. We go back on Friday for another weight check. Her jaundice is looking better, too. She's much less orange than she was in NICU, so that's more good news.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Jessamine's been feeling left out too, I try to give her some extra attention but then I feel like I'm leaving Max out.

Unknown said...

ah its hard to be the oldest huh? I was the baby so I don't know, ha. I was soaking up all their attention.

More photos please!!!!

Cathy said...

I've got two kids have find it so hard to give them individual time--you're doing awesome!!

Anonymous said...

It all sounds so beautifully normal.

*Akilah Sakai* said...

Wow! At least you are aware and make sure to "spread the love" to all. Glad to hear about the baby gaining weight and the jaundice looking better. Mom's are Super Heroes that don't wear capes!

bernthis said...

I guess the upside of having one is she gets all of me but then she only has me to play with when we're at home and I'm thinking that is not her favorite scenario. I'm thrilled E. is home. Yay!!!!

Jolly Roger said...

So glad Elizabeth is gaining weight - sorry about the rough day. It's been going around (general life roughness). Glad you are all home!