The Cahill's

Due to the lack of updates over the last 2 1/2 weeks you have probably guessed that the kids are back home. The transition has gone really well, it’s just I don’t seem to have a lot of extra time anymore 🙂

This is LIFE for us right now – and a wonderful one it is too! Let’s take a little peek behind the scenes and see how things are going.

We went to get the kids on Sunday, a good 9 days since we had seen them last. The older two must have been shown pictures because they ran in, gave me a hug and then immediately recognized the small one in my arms as “baby Eden.”

Flora spotted me, came running and then stopped short, noticing the intruder on her space. She decided sharing my lap was okay and proceeded to examine mom’s new attachment.

I’m still supposed to be “taking it easy” and therefore have had to rely on the kids to help out more. (they are watering the plants in the above picture). Ivy particularly has shone in her ability and willingness to help, sometimes to the  point I forget that she’s just 2 1/2! I’m thinking she should be able to run the house by the time she’s six.

Flora has had a bigger adjustment – while not jealous of the new baby, she’s had a hard time letting go of the ‘baby’ status. She has totally regressed in her finger sucking habit and likes to sneak off after a meal, find a pillow and have what I call her ‘after dinner “smoke”. She’s also been carried everywhere and still expects it – at a park I unloaded the kids out of the car, the oldest two running ahead and me following with Eden and diaper bag. I look back to see Flora still standing by the car, the expression on her face saying “well, who is going to carry ME?”

To help with integration I try and have the kids do what they can together – the girls were quite intrigued with bathing the baby.

As the days go by, the kids are learning more and more how to play with and entertain their new sister. (Though I’m suspicious they just enjoy the “new” toys that I bring out.)

Eden doesn’t lack for stimulation and is really much loved by her siblings. (Trying out the new finger puppets) In fact, Flora has developed a fascination with Eden, squealing, laughing and waving her arms excitedly when she discovers the baby on the floor.

Yes, LIFE may be busy, but it’s never dull!

We love our “little” family! (Easter morning)

Left up to my own devices this morning I decided to have a little fun with my new baby, and for me, fun means photo shoots!

An overcast sky tempted me outside and to a nearby flower bed in hopes of getting some “awake” photos. Eden obligingly cracks one eye open.

Wow, sure is bright out here mom! So far as I can tell, her eyes are a muddy blue so I’m wondering if they will turn brown? Though I might be somewhat biased.

Better hold on to this thing – never know when mom might pop it out!

My little beauty!

And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden…and out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight…Gen 2:8-9

After a slow, somewhat “gentle” labor, little Eden was delivered into her father’s arms at 7:23 PM, March 24 2012.

A tiny, little thing, she measured the smallest in length of all our children so far (18.5 inches long).

Eden surveys her new world – I hope she’s happy with it because she sure seemed anxious to be here. She came about a week early (a first for me) and moved around a lot during labor, trying to find her way out.

Daddy cut the cord and Eden officially became her own little person.

Despite being small, Eden weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds 7 ounces. She’s a compact, stocky little girl with lots of wrinkles and little chubby thighs (another first for my children).

Our midwife, Lisa, checks the stats and Eden finds her thumb.

Daddy substitutes a pacifier – determined we won’t have another finger sucking baby.

All’s well that ends well. Everything checked out for both baby and Mamma. Things were cleaned up and everyone got a good night’s rest!!