A Peek at the Poulsens

I just sat (or more like "lounged ungracefully but very gratefully") on my bed, feeling relaxed and peaceful after all three children were cozy and asleep for naps. I usually spend nap time watching The West Wing with Jack in my arms and it is very relaxing, but after one episode this afternoon I wanted to do something more productive. Jack LOVES (x16) being held while he sleeps, or does anything else for that matter, so I don't often get much done during the day, but once I realized that laying him down sideways  in the rock n' play kept him asleep longer, it's been a bit more manageable. Plus he looks so sweet : ) Anyway, I think there must be some sort of trigger button on my bed, because literally the very MOMENT my body touched the mattress, there were suddenly peeps coming from the other rooms - Stockton started whimpering, Natalie cried out, and I heard Jack shift positions. I thought my super sacred JUST JESSIE moment was over, but I held my breath a...

I have the best friends in the world. Friends I can call at any time of the day or night. Friends who know what I need before I ask for it. Friends who are realistic, fun, and who make me feel good about myself and my children. Friends who are up nursing in the middle of the night who text me to see if I'm up too. Friends who come over and keep me company. Friends who live far away but keep in touch. Friends who ask for my opinion and advice, and value my input. Friends who change my child's poopy diapers. (Seriously, over and beyond, y'all.) Friends who show up unannounced with smoothies in hand, who fold my laundry, feed my children, and let me shower. Seriously, that actually happened just today and it was amazing. Friends who love me. I am so grateful for them! Friends in different states who call to check up on me. Friends in my ward who are in the same stage of life and still make time to serve me. Friends who don't ask if they can bring me di...

We didn't have any plans for Memorial Day this year except to be depressed that we weren't in Yellowstone for my family's annual reunion and to be glad Austin didn't have to work. It ended up being a full, fun, festive day though! We had breakfast and got dressed and headed to our favorite Pioneers Park on the outskirts of town. It has a nice playground and beautiful grounds to explore. Natalie calls it Peach Park for some unknown reason, ha. The kids ran themselves ragged all over the playground, and Grandma and Grandpa came to play too, which was SO fun! I didn't take any pictures because I was just enjoying the morning, but it was really a nice way to start the day. We decided that it was a holiday, after all, so we should do something fun for lunch, and deli sandwiches sounded good to me so we invited some friends over and went to town on specialty turkey, ham, salami, gouda, and croissant deli sandwiches. YUM. And grape salad (which is DELICIOUS, if you hav...

Natalie, Stockton, Little Jack   I think Jack is a mix of his siblings. (I want to do more comparisons eventually - it is so fun looking through old pictures!!!) one week two weeks three weeks one month Comparisons in temperament: Just like his looks, Jack seems to be a mix of Natalie and Stockton. He is way more mild than Natalie, but more alert than Stockton. He fusses less than both babies (although that's not really fair because Stockton only fussed because he had gas issues.) He sleeps much better than Natalie and probably about the same as non-gassy Stockton. He doesn't take as long to eat as Natalie did, and eats less often than Stockton did.  Comparisons in me, emotionally/physically: I get less stressed/anxious/exhausted with each baby. I have only had one or two days where I was just DYING to take a nap this time. Otherwise I really do feel pretty rested, although my neck is starting to hurt because I keep falling asleep in...

burrito baby  He has curly hair that is already getting lighter in color. He really likes his bink, and being swaddled.  he loves falling asleep on the couch, for some reason  he's our little scowler... until he whips out the big shiny-eyed smile he has the most hair of any of our newborns He doesn't really like the carseat or the swing so far.  Hopefully he'll learn to love both. He sleeps better/longer if he's held, but he squeaks (when he sleeps, when he eats, when he's mad, when he's happy...he's just a squeaker) so it's hard to nap with him. But very cozy : ) haha. taken today, 5/27/15 The first month went so fast - I'm betting the months will keep flying by! 

IT FINALLY HAPPENED: I had a moment of profound sadness that my little girl is growing up. I've never been one of those "aww it goes too fast!"/"i miss when they were small"/"please halt time so they never grow up!" type moms, but one afternoon after naps Natalie sat down daintily in the middle of the living room and just talked to me about whatever came to her mind. She sounded so intelligent and opinionated and thoughtful and I just couldn't believe that she wouldn't always be this little. She's been my #1 pal from day one and I hope that never changes. I love spending time with her and listening to her and loving her.

Thoughts from the first week that Jack was home with us: "Things are going better than I thought!" "Babies are so floppy" "Our family feels so much more complete with three kids" "I'm glad Natalie and Stockton are doing well with a new baby in the house, and starting to actually play together" "Why doesn't my mom live with me" "I'm so glad my mother-in-law does hair so I don't have to learn how to/pay for haircuts" "I LOVE THIS SWEET LITTLE COZY BUNDLE!!!" "I don't just need more hands, I straight up need more clones of my whole self to manage things around here!" "AUSTIN IS THE BEST DADDY" "I hope they are friends forever" "WE SURVIVED!" Writing this a month after the fact gives me the advantage of hindsight but the disadvantage of already forgetting things. I remember feeling mostly calm when A...