A Home Visit

This morning my midwife came by for a home visit! Lainey weighs 7lbs 8oz. She got her tongue tie clipped quick and she is doing so well! Mike & my Dad headed into town to pick up new toilets for the bathroom renovation downstairs. and we enjoyed a mostly quiet day. Lily wasn't feeling well and spent a lot of the day curled up on the couch with blankets. Cooper tried dragging Lainey's bassinet out to the pool room (with her sleeping in it). Even though it crashed down the first stair, she stayed safely folded up in the sheepskin and didn't even wake! Sheesh, he's busy! I stayed up late chatting with teens and waiting on our big girl to get home from her bball game in Camrose to hear how it went. It's not always convenient or easy to wait up, but I enjoy doing it and connecting with them when they get home. I love hugging my teens goodnight and checking in with them before bed. 

 

The Mondays

Last night I slept in my bed for the first time since coming home. I had a wicked headache and after spending the last few nights on chairs and couches and the foot of Lily's bed, I desperately needed the sleep. Lainey slept for over four solid hours and woke around 3:30am. She is such a champ! Cooper had crawled in with me fifteen minutes before she woke. Juggling keeping him in bed and feeding/resting has been tricky. I fed her, changed her, fed her again and put her back to sleep. Cooper then whined for a solid 45 minutes before settling back to bed. I crawled back into bed at 5:00am hoping for another solid hour of sleep before I had to wake up and do the morning routine. 

A sweet friend came by after the kids had left for school and offered to do my dishes and tidy my kitchen up. It was so nice to visit and chat and have the extra help. The service was much appreciated! Shortly after she had gone home, another friend dropped by with a freezer meal and an adorable diaper cake! 

Much of my day was spent on the couch nursing and snuggling. I love hanging out with these guys all day!

In the early evening our loving relief society president brought dinner by. Just after she left, the power went out and we ended up eating by lamp/candle light. It was kind of a fun time! The kids went sledding in the dark and assured me their eyes would adjust and they wouldn't knock into each other or hit any trees. The power came on just before bedtime and soon the house was quiet and still. 

 

Lainey's First Sunday

Today was Lainey's first Sunday heading to church with the fam jam. Camilla wanted a picture of all of the sisters before church and made sure they all matched and looked nice.

Three beautiful girls! Aren't I lucky?

Ollie really loves holding her and asked if he could have a picture with her too since his sweater matched her dress.

Lainey slept through most of sacrament meeting, which was a huge blessing because Cooper was still crazy!

In the afternoon we had some friends pop in for a quick visit and the YW president brought by these sweet posters from the youth!

The afternoon sunshine was much welcomed and we spent some time snuggled up on by bed enjoying it.

Lily is absolutely smitten with her new baby sister and is constantly asking to hold and cuddle her. Lainey is a lucky lady to have such doting older siblings.

Deck the Halls

It was so nice to wake up on a Saturday morning in our own home with the fire warming us and baby snuggles on the couch!

Mr. Stannix was able to sleep in because he still isn't getting much rest at night thanks to his back spasms. He gets winded easily and can't venture around the house too much, so he's been in his room and the living room at different points.

In the afternoon I loaded up all of the littles and took them into the church to the Nativity Display. It's a tradition that our family loves doing. Joseph offered to cart Lainey around while I was able to visit and enjoy the beautiful display. Cooper wouldn't let go of his baby sister and ended up "helping" Joe for the short time we were there.

I dug out all of the Christmas boxes and called up some friends who had offered to help us Deck the Halls this afternoon. They came out in the late afternoon, set up the ladder and put the tall tall tree up in the living room for us! We were so so grateful for their service and kindness. We had a great visit!

After Dinner we gathered the crew and officially "Decked the Halls". Daddy was able to watch from the comfy chair in the corner while we all added decorations to the tree and set up the nativities finally. This is probably the latest we've ever decorated for Christmas! 

Gramma and Grampa joined the chaos from next door and we loved sharing it with them!

 

I sure love our decorating crew! Hyrum did a stellar job putting the star on the top.

Watching Fin and Cooper snuggle up next to the tree with a Christmas book warmed my heart.

Once we had finished and the little ones were tucked in, I loaded up Lainey and went to the grocery store. I was feeling a little bit overwhelmed by life and may or may not have slammed the door when I left. While at the store I picked up a Jones Soda and when I cracked it open at home, the fortune made me chuckle. "You can choose your attitude". Cheeky Jones soda....But then the stillness of the evening and the lights of the tree made everything feel calm and peaceful. 

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.....