Gotta love naptime!

It's naptime at the McAvoy household. It's quiet, except for the sound of the dryer. I thought I'd take a minute to do a new post.

Things are definitly settling down around here. I'm beginning to gain some confidence that I can actually do this, and that I can actually handle having even more children--whoa there, not for awhile! I think my hormones are leveling out and I am getting more sleep, which helps.

I think we've kind of worked out a new system/schedule that seems to be working out for us. I decided to not feel so guilty whenever I allow Joshua to watch TV (or a Baby Einstein video that I have seen so many times by now) when I need to nurse and he needs to be entertained. I was really starting to feel like I was a bad mom, and I tend to beat myself up pretty bad when I feel guilty about something. I figure, I need to do what doesn't make me go crazy during nursing sessions, and this seems to work. I have to tell myself that he won't always be allowed to watch this much TV, but for now an educational program here and there won't be all too terrible. Eventually, Mercedes will be able to go longer between feedings and Joshua will learn how to entertain himself a little better. But, it's working for now.

I have also tried harder to get Joshua's snacks out ahead of time so that when I am nursing when he wakes up from his nap, he doesn't feel forgotten... this has made a huge difference! I have also tried to emphasize just how big Joshua is getting and how that means he can be my helper. This boosts his self-esteem, and helps me out as well. And, the final thing I have tried to do better is giving Joshua that one-on-one time whenever I can. I bought some art supplies and Joshua and I sit down and do art together. When we paint, we work on shapes and colors. He loves to paint. We also have our special singing time or book reading time. Joshua has gotten really good at singing. He can carry a tune really well and he knows most of the words to: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Love to See the Temple, Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam, The Snowman Song, My Heavenly Father Loves Me, and Families Can Be Together Forever. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HEARING HIM SING! Today, we went to visit my sister who lives about ten minutes away. Joshua wanted me to turn off the radio and sing "the temple song" with him. So, I turned it off and we sang the temple song over and over again. I was reminded that even very young children can learn the gospel and Joshua is learning so much through music. It was really a neat moment for me. After the temple song, I always go straight into Families Can Be Together Forever, because I think the two songs go together really nicely, but now Joshua thinks they're part of the same song. He has better pitch than his dad. When I first got home from the hospital, Jon Mark took over Joshua's bedtime routine. In the routine, just before laying him down, we sing a few songs in the rocking chair together. Jon Mark was singing to him and Joshua said, "Daddy no sing, Mommy sing." Jon Mark thought that was funny.

Anyway, it's been a lot better!
Love, Ralae