Lily Joy

 

Lily Joy Stannix

December 19, 2020

8:52pm

7lbs 2oz, 20” long

We are smitten!

Peace Amidst Chaos

This week I will be thirty-nine weeks along with this girly and we are so excited to meet her! Every time we add another child to our family I am simultaneously filled with feelings of inadequacy, and confidence. While I never doubt the decision itself, there are crazy days where I doubt whether or not I'll be able to juggle another child. Typically these worries are eased shortly after birth, and the new babe falls right into the mix and commotion of our home perfectly well. 

As we anticipate this one's arrival, our home has been a little more chaotic than usual. While I've been a boy mom for a long time, I am still learning every day what is "normal boy behavior" and what I should be getting on their case about. Lately our days have been one giant wrestling match and they can't seem to keep their hands to themselves. Most of the time it's for fun, but sometimes it is not. There was even an incident where two of the boys were upset and began chasing each other around the yard waving hockey sticks in the air. I honestly thought one of them might kill the other. I'll never understand why boys have to work their differences out physically. Ha!

Last night we kept the littles up later than usual to enjoy popcorn and a Christmas movie. They still woke this morning before or just after 6:00am. We had enough time for everyone to shower, eat breakfast, and watch the entire Polar Express movie on my bed before it was time to leave. They fought as we headed out the door to church. I endured a lot of attitude from a few older children. The boys were kicking and punching each other on the way to town. I feel like every Sunday I yell the words, "I JUST WANT TO FEEL THE SPIRIT TODAY!" When we finally arrived I separated everyone on the bench. Before the meeting even started someone was kicking another on the bench because somehow, even though we were masked up, he managed to stick his tongue out at this particular child. I felt frazzled before the meeting even began. 

Oliver proceeded to moan and groan through a lot of the meeting. The volume of his voice is of no difference to him, and he doesn't care who's listening or watching. Between the younger two I was up and down for most of the meeting, breaking up fights on the bench, anticipating their next move, and using my angry mom eyes when they acted out. After coming back from taking Sawyer out, I noticed Camilla trying to pull something sticky out of Oliver's hair. He started yelling, "OW, OW, OW!" right in the middle of the meeting. I plopped Sawyer on her lap and hauled Oliver out for the 1304948th time wondering how in the heck he got gum stuck in his hair. Turns out an older child found it in the diaper bag and thought it was sticky tack, and when Oliver made them mad they just decided to stick it in his hair. Good grief. As we got ready to leave, they put on their jackets and began punching each other in the back because so and so was in line first and somebody budged and oh my goodness I didn't think we'd make it out of there alive.

As we drove home from church I glanced in my rear view mirror to see Ollie sitting quietly in his booster seat, gum plastered through the left side of his hair. I honestly wasn't sure if it was salvageable, but thankfully with a little pulling and a gentle snip with the scissors, we were able to get it out without completely wrecking his hair cut. 

Tonight we enjoyed the Christmas Devotional. It's something I look forward to every year. Unfortunately I spent most of the time distracted by the children as they tumbled on the floor, accidently dumped candy cane popcorn, needed drinks every five minutes, and sat upsidedown on the couch. Perhaps I just need to lower my expectations and let things go, but I'd like to think that they can sit still for at least a half hour. My favorite part of the whole evening was when I had scooped the popcorn into little bowls and Sawyer took it upon himself to grab them off the table and pass them out to everyone while saying their name.

I spent the closing hymn sitting quietly in the play room in front of the glowing Christmas tree with one boy who wouldn't quit fake belching. It was completely distracting for everyone. Tears streamed down my face as I started to feel sorry for myself and incompetent in my abilities as a mother. Surely I've taught them to behave better. How could I help them feel the Spirit of Christmas this year? What more could I do to teach obedience and love? Then my thoughts turned to Christmas and how this devotional usually feels so magical and wonderful. When it ends I usually feel uplifted and giddy for the Christmas season ahead. Instead, I thought about all of the gifts that I carefully thought out this year, purchased, and wrapped for the children. All of our shopping is finished and everything is ready in case baby makes an early arrival. I kept thinking that with all of the extra time I have not worrying about what we are getting the children that I should be able to relax and enjoy a peace filled season. I thought about all of the extra time this has given me to serve others, yet how little opportunity I feel there is to do so, given the pandemic and everything going on. As we quietly sat there, listening to the faint sounds of "Silent Night" coming through the door from my parents home, I was able to feel my Saviors love and approval. Though the road might be difficult, and the days ahead might be filled with little sleep and lots of chaos, I know that I can pray for comfort and He always gives it. 

"In a world so much in need of peace, our gentle words, our acts of compassion and kindness can be the means of wrapping another in a warm, swaddling blanket. I have come to understand that the more we act on promptings to serve others, the more heavenly blankets the Lord gives us to share. Our personal, or virtual touch may make all the difference in the life of a loved one, or even a stranger. " ~Becky Craven

 

Joseph's Baptism Quilt

 Today my big girl was home sick (minor cough) again from school. She has caught up on all of her work and was feeling a little bit bored. Despite the mess in my kitchen, I decided we needed to bake up some more Christmas cookies for the freezer.

We started with a batch of whipped shortbread. Just as the dough was finishing up, my mixer started smoking and smelling funny. I quickly popped the beaters out and threw it outside on the deck to cool off. I can't count the number of hand mixers I've fried in my homemaking career. I think most of them met their death whipping these cookies. One day I will have a really nice mixer I can use, but until then..

 

 

When the last pan of shortbread went into the oven, Camilla made up a new recipe that she wanted to try. She loves browsing pintrest now and always finds new things to try. She saw these yummy looking candy cane white chocolate chip cookies. Of course Sawyer wanted to be in on the action. "Helwp you?" She boosted him up on the counter and was so patient as he dumped ingredients into the bowl. He especially loved the handful of white chocolate chips she let him eat while she stirred the dough. I am so glad they will have these memories together!

 

Just before the littles got home from school, my mum came over to show me Joseph's finished baptism quilt. She started the tradition when Hyrum was baptized, likening the warm quilt to the comforting power of the Holy Ghost. 

 

 

Joseph has been so looking forward to placing this quilt on his bed. Whenever he wraps himself up in it I hope he remembers the comfort and safety that the Holy Ghost gives us throughout our lives. We are so grateful for such a talented Gramma. She poured her soul into this and it will be cherished for years to come.

Before bed I gathered the children around the Christmas tree for a story. We've had a rough few days filled with sibling rivalries, yelling, and constant arguing. As I prayed for inspiration while the chaos grew around me, I knew that we needed to gather together. I read them a favorite Christmas story to get them back into the Christmas spirit and cried through the entire thing. While I read through blurred vision, they listened intently and different waves of emotion could be seen on their faces. By the time we had finished the entire atmosphere in our home had transformed. Peace was present once again and they all promised to try a little better tomorrow. 

Welcome December

I welcomed December with a visit to my midwife this morning. I am thirty-eight weeks and we can't wait to meet this girly! I am grateful for the mild Winter weather, blue sky, and sunshine today. It's supposed to stay nice until baby's due date and then I have no problem tucking in at home during the cold snap.

 

 

When I got home I pulled some dough out of the fridge and baked cookies. I saw this delicious looking recipe for cranberry orange shortbread cookies. They have a hint of almond extract in them too which makes them totally delicious!

 

 

While Sawyer waited for dinner he kept himself busy. I put a handful of forks in the middle of the table for everyone and he took it upon himself to set them at each plate. He was also fascinated with the glowing Christmas tree in the middle of the table and kept climbing up to turn it on and then off. 

The littles were so excited when Daddy got home for work, because that meant it was time to deck the halls! And dang, I admire that guy because he had a really stressful day and still made an effort to be present and make it fun.

I'd like to say it was peaceful and pleasant, but the reality of having six kiddos so close in age often means sibling rivalries and some tears. Among the chaos is always happy memories, and those are the ones we hold onto.

The big dancing train they made while Christmas music blasted from the speakers.

Ollie in this adorable elf hat that he claimed as his own this year.

 

 

Sawyer picking out decorations from the box and then saying my name over and over again until I came to help him hook them on the tree.

Camilla boosting up her little brothers so that they could hang their ornaments.

Joseph tenderly setting up the Christmas nativity, reminding us of the true reason for the season.

And Finley quietly asking if he could put the star on this year because he had never done it before.

We finished off the night with a mini photo shoot and Fin could not get enough pictures with his big brother Hyrum. He admires him a lot.

 

Also, could somebody please tell my children to quit growing up?! 

Now, I feel officially baby ready! The nursery is set up, the clothes are washed, the tree is lit, and the house is cozy. 

 

This year our family will be participating in Light the World again. If you're interested, check it out here.

 

 

Laughter

 

 

 Today I am grateful for slow mornings filled with laughter! With so much uncertainty in the world today it can be hard to find the silver lining sometimes. Every belly laugh this boy gives me makes all the worry melt away! What happens within the walls of our homes is far more important than anything else. 

Joseph’s Baptism

 Today we were able to get together with immediate family and support Joe in his very important decision to be baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been looking forward to his eighth birthday since last year as he has had the opportunity to watch two of his older siblings be baptized and hear of their wonderful experiences. Over the last few months he has had "lessons" with his Dad in preparation and an interview with the Bishop of our congregation. In our church we believe Eight to be the age of accountability, an age where you can begin to be accountable for your choices. Joseph has shown great maturity over the last little while and it's been so wonderful to watch him grow! For his eighth birthday he got his own set of scriptures with his name engraved on the front. Since then he has diligently read a little bit from them every night. 

This morning he counted down the hours until it was time to head into the church. He eagerly watched as the font was filled and changed into his white jumpsuit to be baptized by his Dad. My Mom and I got to be witnesses as the baptism was performed, to make sure the prayer was said correctly and that he was fully immersed under the water.  He enlisted both of his uncles to give talks on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. And his Grampa was able to give him the gift of the Holy Ghost and a special blessing. Due to the pandemic and restrictions, only Grampa, his Dad and the Bishop were included in that small circle. My Grandparents and some aunts and uncles were able to participate via zoom! It was a wonderful day and Joseph said he felt like he was walking on top of the world after. We are so proud of him for the choices he is making in his life and the ways he tries to be like our Savior.

 

 

 

Living in a Snowglobe

I made the mistake of listening to the radio yesterday as I was driving home from my midwife appointment. The news was filled with so much that can weigh heavy on a persons heart. As the world is in commotion, it can be difficult to sift through everything we see and hear on the media to find truth. There is so much fear, contention and differences of opinion.

 

As I watched the sun come up this morning, and the children walk out to the bus stop I was filled with hope. Each day we are given a fresh start and new opportunities. We can choose to be kind to others despite our differences. 

 

 

Today I am choosing to focus on what matters most, and that's what's happening in our home. I will be snuggling my babies close and creating a peaceful refuge for my littles. The last few days have been like living in a snow globe, and this scene brings me so much peace each morning!

 

The little boys had so much fun outside in the sunshine! Ollie practiced his hockey skills and Sawyer sang and wandered around the beaten down trails.

"Watch this, Mom! It's gunna be a good one!"

 

Nursery Make Over

Recently we decided to give the nursery a bit of a re-do. While I loved my chevron wall, I wanted something more gender neutral as baby girl and Sawyer will both be sharing this space. While scrolling pintrest I came across a DIY wainscotting that I fell in love with. We measured out the room and figured out how many boards we would need to make it work and then Mr. Stannix spent an entire Saturday cutting, and nailing the trim and boards. For the next week I painted and caulked the wood and I am so happy with how it turned out! I added a couple more woodland animals (which still need frames) and can't wait to get the crib all set up in here now! Sawyer keeps exclaiming, "New OOM!" He loves his new room. It's been a while since we've had a baby share a room, so it will be a fun adventure. It always makes me think of our little old white house in Edmonton where we had three littles in a room and every wall was covered with furniture and our little crib was stuffed in a little indent.