They Grow Up Way Too Fast

Ruby turns 4 weeks old today. Yesterday she rolled herself over. I was taking pictures of her on her tummy and she pushed up on her knee and rolled over. I was so hoping I could just enjoy this one being little, but she's already growing at lightspeed.
I am now doing something that I never thought I would do. CLOTH DIAPERING. I didn't really set out to do this (hello, I'm already doing laundry for SEVEN people), but it looks like we're going to for now. She has had a terrible diaper rash and I believe that it is caused by the chemicals in the disposable diapers. I tried every all-natural thing I could thnk of to get rid of the rash, but it just got worse. Not even coconut oil could kill it. So we're going completely all-natural and it seems to be helping. I'm having some problems though and ending up with everything all wet including myself. I thought I knew everything by the fourth time around, but now I'm learning something new.
Well, we're off to the shop for a Saturday Shop Day. The kids really do enjoy sweeping up sawdust and making a mess of it and sweeping it up again.

Piano Player

Emily started piano lessons yesterday. She's a natural. Last night she showed off to Paul how much she had learned. I think he is pretty excited about it because he taught her some more songs (all of them from the '80's). I didn't know I was married to Richard Marx.
This is a typical outfit for Nolan.
Sweet Sisters

Sleepy Smiles

This is her sleepy milk-drunk face.

She really is the best baby ever. Last night she slept from 11 pm to 7:45 am at only 23 days old. She eats well and is my first baby to gain weight right from the start. She smiles all the time and sleeps right through all the noise of the rest of the kids.

Emily starts piano lessons tomorrow.

Getting back to real life

I have been taking it pretty easy for the last few weeks. My mom was here to cook, clean and raise the big kids for two weeks while I got to kick back and just take care of myself and my new baby. Last week I was blessed with a weeks worth of meals from my wonderful friends. I have realized, after not cooking for three weeks, that I enjoy cooking for my family, but I DESPISE trying to figure out what to cook each night. I also know from past experience that Paul doesn't like to be asked what he wants. He has to make so my decisions all day that he doesn't want to decide on food. I think we would both rather not eat than decide, but somebody has to. I told Emily today that it is now her job to plan out the meals for each week. I will have veto power over the menu. Then I can make out the shopping list and go from there. She is really excited about her new responsibility.

Today started real life. At least I got to ease back into it. I just have to stay organized and it's not too bad. The chaos starts when I sit down to feed the baby, but if I make sure everyone's juice cups are filled and I stay in the living room where I'm not closed off from them, it's pretty ok. The little ones are also getting used to the idea that they need to be patient and wait until I'm done nursing or changing the baby. Usually by the time I'm done, they have forgotten whatever it was that they so desperately needed at the moment. Emily is such a great help that it's hard for me not to take advantage and have her doing everything. It is very nice to have a kid big enough to hold the baby for a long time while I get things done, too. She could sit and hold the baby all day if I let her.

I just found my organic gardening book so I'm going to take a moment to start planning our garden for this year. Pray for Rain! My garden was a disaster last year because we were on strict water restrictions. This year I'll get up and water it in the middle of the night if I have to.

Everybody Loves Ruby

Paul asked Nolan, "Whose baby is that?"

Nolan said, "MINES".

He even wants to change her diaper.

Our Last First Bath

These were from a few days ago, but I haven't been able to find my camera. Paul and I had a chance to give Ruby her first bath at home together. I'm really trying to cherish every moment knowing that Ruby is our last baby.

Baby Love

Nolan is in as much love with Ruby as everybody else is. He can't walk by her without giving her kisses. He's also the first one to run to her swing as soon as she cries. I just have to keep a close eye on him so he doesn't help too much and try to pick her up by himself.

Papa Ralph is in love, too!

The Best Baby Ever!

At only four days old, Ruby is turning out to be a really great baby. Last night she went to sleep at 10:40 pm (I was konked out by 10:41) at did not wake up to eat until 3:30 am. That's five hours of sleep at only four days old! She didn't go back to sleep until 5:30 but then I got a couple more hours of sleep after that. So, down for 5, up for 2 and down for 4.
We have also discovered that she loves to sleep either on Paul's chest or in the swing. Not even with it on, just in the swing. That's fine with me as long as she sleeps.
The big kids are at the Georgia Aquarium today with Grandma and Papa, so Ruby and I have a relaxing day to ourselves. I don't know how I could manage without my mom here to help. Occasionally, Nolan will not let anyone help him or change him but me, but that's pretty understandable. My ankels are so swollen that there's no definition between my calves and my feet, so I need to go put them back up.

P.S. She was born on Saturday, since I forgot to say that before.

Ruby Is Here!

Ruby Elizabeth Rollins
6 pounds, 4 ounces
19 inches
Blonde and beautiful
Mommy and baby are both recovering well. No complications this time for me. I feel great! The kids all love her so much and they're glad I'm back home, even though it's grandma taking care of them while I relax.

We're Home

She already knows what Daddy's chest is for. He loves taking naps with his babies.