I get it...my hands are full!!

Before Emmett joined our family I tried to imagine life with three kids.  I felt that I was at my limit with 2 and couldn't imagine possibly leaving the house to go anywhere with a third. I may have told my sister more than once that I was just sure my "life was about to be over." ha....maybe a little dramatic?  

Mark was home with me for two weeks after Emmett was born and we were able to get out and about to do things in order to keep the not so desirable behaviors for Owen and Nora at bay.  

I was nervous when Mark went back to work, knowing that outings were a necessary "evil".  Wondering still, how would I manage?

It took be a couple of day to get up the nerve to actually go somewhere (besides a drive thru to get a giant iced tea because let's be honest....there is no "down time"  or "rest" with 3 littles!)  

Our first outing was a trip to our local library to check out books and attend Storytime.  We got there early so we had plenty of time to check out books before Storytime started.  Each of the kiddos picked their books for the week and we had time to spare. We had a great time putting on puppet shows and playing with the felt board farm.  Then it was off to Storytime.  Emmett slept like a champ and the kids had a great time.  Not only did I survive my first outing, but I actually enjoyed it!    More than anything I think I was relieved to know I will not be spending the summer trapped in our house. ha.

Puppet Show

Reading our new books!

What I have noticed as I have ventured out more and more......people stare. Everywhere we go. People stare.  Some of them speak.  They say things like "Oh my. Don't you have your hands full."  or "You look like you could use some help."   or..... "How old are they??"  I am sure all of these comments come from a good place.  I assume they feel bad for me, but I don't feel bad.  They shouldn't either.  Yes, it takes a lot longer to go to the grocery store to pick up 5 things.  Yes, it takes a lot of patience to explain EVERYTHING we are doing and WHY we are doing it to my 4 year old and 2 year old.  Yes, I have to be creative to keep them from destroying the store.  Yes, my hands are full. Very full. But you know what?  My heart is even more full.  Even on our hard days. I am grateful.  How could I not be?  I get to spend my days with these kiddos!

The kids were thrilled to eat lunch outside.  I was thrilled to not have a mess to clean up!