{adjusting}

Adjustment takes time, right?

This morning I was wondering to myself exactly how long that adjustment might take, as I juggled the phone with one hand while talking to poison control, and frantically used the other hand to try and pour cereal for the four littles since the bus was within minutes of arrival.  I'm sure the operator was wondering what in the world was going on, since the two boys were crying, and the girls were clamoring to tell me about 500 things--what cereal they wanted, what kind of snack to pack, and asking if their favorite spoon was clean.

Fifteen minutes later the scene was significantly more calm.  Henry was deemed to be fine after eating Rick's deodorant, the girls finished their cereal and made the bus on time, and the boys were happy with their breakfast.

Breathe.

The adjustment for me has proved to be several fold... 

1.  From 1 to 3

Jumping from one to three children in school has been a little crazy.  The amount of paper alone that I receive home each day is staggering, and with two girls in the same grade but different classes, there is even more to keep track of.  I know lots of people do this everyday, but I feel like I want from 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds.

2.  Girls vs. boys

It's more complicated and takes longer getting girls ready for school. At least for me. I could comb Ryan's hair with my fingers in about 5 seconds if we were really pressed for time, but I can't do that with the girls.  Even ponytails take time, and I'm learning how much time that actually takes. Although it would be MUCH easier if I didn't have to stop every 10 seconds to keep a darling boy from eating toilet paper, putting things in the toilet, rummaging through my cupboards and drawers, pulling towels off the rack, dumping the trash over, climbing on the counter and turning on the water, or trying to pull on the hot curling iron.  All in one morning. As for me? I'm sure the other moms at the bus stop wonder if I ever wear anything other than pajamas, or wear my hair differently than two messy buns or a ponytail, lol. 

3.  Going to bed and getting up in the morning

I fully realize that I am not the first mother to ever deal with this, nor will I be the last, but it's been hard!  I'm hoping the adjustment to an earlier bedtime (after a fun summer) will come sooner rather than later, because they are all fighting it.  Ryan is awesome at setting his alarm at getting up, no matter what time he goes to bed, but the girls are another story.  Trying to drag their little cute selves out of bed in the morning has been a challenge, so I need to figure out a better game plan for the bedtime routine.  Truth be told, I have a hard time too, because I love to stay up late (really late)--it's when all my best work gets done--and that doesn't mix well with waking up early in the morning.

4.  And then were two...

Now that it's just the boys and me in the morning, we're trying to settle into a new routine.  Some things are easier, and others are more difficult.  I didn't realize how much the girls played with and entertained my boys during the day until they were gone--it's evident by the way they are acting with me and with each other.  I actually get less done now, because they are wanting my attention a lot more. The house is quieter, but it  seems busier.  On the other hand, going places and doing things is SO much easier. I can actually think about going to Target, and even the post office seems doable.  I also love that I can now take the boys out for bike rides, or even go running, where I couldn't do that with four little ones.  (while I'm on the subject, someone needs to invent a bike trailer for 4 kids...) I'm excited to spend more time with my boys in the morning, and then with the girls in the afternoon when they get home and the babies are napping. 

One week down...