Hendrik reading to his sisters tonight.
Tonight was the first night that we've had all the kids at home at once since Emma was born. They've been having sleepovers with Grandma & GrandBarry and Auntie Hilary, with the girls coming home to sleep Saturday night, and then back to Grandma & GrandBarry's again. I'm still feeling pretty tired physically, my back still isn't happy, but mentally I feel great. It's hard not to get frustrated that my body can't keep up with the things I'd like to be doing. Rest is a good thing I'm told, and I'm trying to take advantage of having the opportunity to do so while I can.
The kids came in the door one by one after supper. I was greeted by cries of "Mommy! It's great to see you again!", "Mommy!", and "Mommy, we missed you!". Each of these comments was immediately followed by "Where's Emma?" or "Where's my baby sister?". There were lots of hugs exchanged and the kids took off their winter gear in record time so they could go and see their baby sister.
Each of the kids wanted to do something special for Emma. Riley made up a song which she played on the guitar and sang along to, Hendrik joined in with his little banjo, and Abby performed a dance. Each one of them also offered to loan Emma their most special possession or made her a gift. Hendrik offered his baby sister the loan of his blue shirt for a few days (along with his Clifford pillow and red stuffed dog). Abby offered to share her baby with Emma. Riley carefully assembled and wrapped a gift - a baby hat tucked inside a Bakugan goody bag from a birthday party Hendrik attended yesterday, closed with a sparkly red pipe cleaner. (I know she was hoping to tie it off with a silver bell and silver pipe cleaner she had earlier in the evening but it had disappeared.)
At bedtime the kids insisted that we wait to read their bedtime stories until Emma was upstairs as well so she wouldn't miss out on story time. There was a line up for kissing her goodnight which they all went through twice!
Hendrik, Riley, and Abby are thrilled with their new little sister as you can tell. They can't wait until she's a little bit older so they can play games with her or share more of their toys. It's been very sweet to watch their care and concern for her. I imagine the novelty will wear off slightly in the coming weeks and months, but I'm so happy to see them all looking out for each other.
Dwayne and I enjoyed the lack of quiet last night. It was too strange without them being snuggled in their beds at night. We know they had a wonderful time with their sleepovers and the rest was good for us, but it is wonderful to have us altogether again!
