Scenes from the new normal

 As a good friend said when she saw this photo, "At least someone's getting sleep at your house!"  Fortunately, Mariana is a very good sleeper at night.  She only wakes to feed and that is only twice or so at night.  She does, however, spend the second half of the night asleep on my chest.  Hannah tends to be the sibling who holds her while I get ready for bed.  Dave works most weekday evenings and is unavailable until much later in the evening when I am already tucked in bed; thus, the older siblings really help out a lot.  They don't, however, have to change diapers.

 I really am struck by how much the younger boys want to cuddle their new sister.  Ben feels most at home with Mariana when she is peaceful or sleeping and isn't embarrassed to admit that he can't calm her down.

 Joe, on the other hand, has a knack with babies.  He loves the challenge of trying to settle her from crying to sleeping, and often does so with ease.  I often look over at him as he dances with her and think, "He just looks like a very short father with his newborn daughter."

 He told me that Hannah told him that he wasn't competent with babies.  Joe almost always rises to a challenge and Hannah's words were challenge enough for him to get his baby game together.  This photo was taken shortly before sledge hockey practice.  I don't think it needs words.

 Most of you who know us well are already aware that Dave's mother was diagnosed this summer with stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to her liver.  She also had a bad fall and brain bleed shortly after Mariana was born.  Two days later Dave's sister's husband was hit by a tractor trailer while biking.  Praise God, he survived and is doing very well with a few broken bones.  Needless to say, the month since Mariana's birth has been quite eventful.  One of the greatest blessings was my mother's presence here for the two weeks following Mariana's birth and the two weeks of meals arranged by a good friend once my mother left.  Dave's staff also brought over a few freezer meals.  I am so appreciative for this help and for the love of those who support us.  This photo was taken two nights ago when Dave's mother was finally able to meet her newest grandchild.  Dave's mom, Anne, is such a witness to me in her sickness and preparation for death.  She is neither bitter or resentful and her very presence reminds me that the dust and the dirt and the not-yet-purchased Christmas presents  really don't matter.  Rather, the relationships do and I need to focus on those.  "Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things.  Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

 Jacob stayed home from school today to help me around the house.  He is quite unable to focus on just holding Mariana and always needs to read, eat, watch or be otherwise distracted while calming his sister.  As long as she is safe, I am happy to let him hold her.

 One of Jacob's struggles with piano is practising his right and left hands separately.  Perhaps holding his sister while practising will encourage more separate-handed practice!