so soon?

So, we set up the white crib for Josie in the nursery. Most people would just say crib, but you see, we own 3. We have a brown one, a white one, & a portable crib. We got the brown one from some family friends when I was preggo with Carlise. Then when I was preggo with Wesley, we realized Carlise wouldn't be ready for a toddler bed, we started hunting for a 2nd crib. I ended up trading with a friend an old crib mattress (given to me with my 2 toddler beds) for the portable crib. Then JaNae offered me her nice white crib. Around the same time I started watching Mila for Jason & Michelle. so Wesley got moved to the white crib & Mila slept in the portable crib.

So after Josie outgrew the bassinet, we moved her into the portable crib. But that barely gave me enough room to pass sideways to get into my side of the bed. So we set up the white crib for her in the nursery just for naps to begin transitioning her to the big crib & out of our room. *I'm never really ready for them to leave our room. I love the closeness (not to mention not having to fully wake-up to get them & nurse them) & being able to peek in on them without leaving my bed. The only problem was I couldn't find some necessary hardware. I thought I knew exactly where it was, & I checked a couple of my back-up hiding places. But, they were gone & to order the parts would be over $30. So, I said a prayer to help me find them but I didn't get a chance to go look for them. Two days later I said another prayer & finally went to look for them. I went to the nursery closet, opened it up, picked up a bag off the floor & they were sitting right on top in the bag. Wow! Of all the unimportant things going on in the world, he listens to a neurotic woman asking about crib hardware. I am very grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that knows exactly what my needs are and listens to me when I pray.

Ok, so now the crib is assembled. Only one more problem, we've now run out of crib mattresses. I knew we had 2 crib mattresses, but somehow it didn't register that one is in the toddler bed. Well, great. Now its $50 for a crib mattress. Ouch! Oh, but you see I was offered a position to clean a home. And I got paid $60. So we got a crib mattress & Josie loves the feel of it so much, she now refuses to sleep in the bed we have for her in our room. I can't believe in one night she's out of our room. She's only 5 months. I like to wait until they're 6 months. Oh, but she's comfortable & we are, too. But still, did she have to go so soon?

Whoo!

Sorry we haven't been blogging. Or commenting on your posts. That's the evil of Google Reader. I read most of the blogs I keep up with in it and I always think, "I'll come back to this & comment later." But later never comes because I have children running around me wanting my attention. I don't know if I'll continue to use it for blogs of loved ones. So you might be hearing more from me. (is that a good thing?)

Anyway, we've been really busy cleaning up our home. Today I hosted a playgroup for some local SAHM (Stay At Home Moms). Ben actually took off 2 days of work last week, to help out. It was bad. We always love the way our home feels after we've done a major cleaning and we have full intentions of doing daily maintenance to keep it from getting really bad. But then throw in a couple hours of sleep (instead of a full night), not being on a schedule, kids tag-teaming for naps, and a sickness, and its gets right back to where it was. But we did more this time. We cleaned up the nursery, which was pretty much just a "Where does this go? I don't know- put it in there" room. But we cleaned it up, and put the white crib in there for Josie to nap in.
And then we cleaned out our storage/laundry room. We thought the room would just be too overpacked and we were going to store some boxes in Mom Hutto's shed. But, we reorganized, got rid of some stuff, and everything fits. (Well, everything except for the cannonball bed for Anna & some stuff for a garage sale.) Now to save up and get a window a/c unit so we can keep our food storage in there!
We also completely cleaned off our carport so the kids could play out there with chalk or ride tricycles & bikes. Then we did the usual cleaning of the kitchen, living room, & bathroom. It all looks lovely now. But it took alot of time & work. I always worry when we go through so much effort, no one will show up.

And how did it turn out? Playgroup was wonderful! There were 6 moms that showed up with their little ones in tow. And I invited nephews Garrett & Steven over to play so the older kids would have some playmates. For a total of 23 people over. And I love hosting because it allows my kids to get their naps. Ulterior Motive? you bet! =]