I snapped this picture today as he was pulling fabric off of my shelves…right after he had shoved toys down all of our heat vents. At least he keeps himself busy while I’m feeding the baby right?
Besides digging toys out of the heat vents I cut this stack of squares…hopefully it will manifest itself as a finished quilt + pattern someday soon (don’t bet it on it though).
I have to admit that I’m TIRED…and keeping 3 kids fed, clothed, and happy takes 100% of my energy. At the same time having a new baby is also a good reminder of what’s important…so the rest of my house may be a disaster zone and we’ve had cold cereal for more than a few meals…but at least my kids are fed, clothed, and happy (and cute)!
Cathy
Yes...what you are doing is PRICELESS!!! You are raising and loving the next generation that we will need and depend on! Enjoy these busy years...they are over with before you know it!!! Trust me...I learned the hard way! I thought everyone was lying to me! LOL Now I'm watching my grandchildren grow like weeds~ ♥♥♥
RaeLyn
One of the big tricks is to not have any expectations of what you can get done, then anything seems miraculous! Balance is that ever-elusive state of being. Keep up the good work :)
Jennyroo
I say at least once every day (usually muttering to myself like a crazy lady, mind you!) "My house may be messy but my children are loved!" My three babies still keep me hopping (and the baby is approaching 1 year old!).
Audrie
All you mommas amaze me. My house is a horrid mess and I have no kids to look after hehe And you're very right about the cute :)
Marian
Oh I love posts like this about real life things. The fabric stack looks yummy too! And boy your kids are cute! My husband and I are thinking of having a 3rd soon and I love to hear how other people handle 3 or more kids and what works for them. Hugs and sleep to you! I always like to look at my two monkeys after they're asleep, it helps me put things in perspective when they're quiet and still!
Helen
Beautiful children. This time will pass and you can look back with fond memories. I remember nursing an infant and the other children getting into something, mostly everything while I felt tied to the chair/bed. Before you know it, they will be asking if they can use the car to run to the mall...at least at this point you know where they are (most of the time)
Jen
Beautiful pic of your beautiful babies! My mantra is something like: This isn't meant to be a museum - real people live here and occasionally it will look like it. I'd rather play with the kids and have things be un-tidy than have it perfect and have neurotic kids who freak about stepping on the vacuum lines in the carpet!
Jon and Jolie
Hang in there! I was in the same place last year, and there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy every moment, because it seems like each kid's first year goes by so stinkin' fast! btw, those are some precious moments you captured!
Cynthia
Your children are beautiful! Just do what you can do and enjoy your children and the stage in life you are in :)
Bari Jo
Oh! This picture (both of them!) is priceless! Love the big brother holding his baby sister - so sweet! And the little guy checking out your stash - tooo cute! Hang in there mom! I remember those days - they are exhausting and they go wayyyyyy tooo fast! Enjoy! And hope you get some rest!
LindseyAnne
It looks like you are doing a brilliant job of raising your children in a happy, caring and productive environment. Good for you!
Cindy
Having 3 under 3 myself, i am sooo there with you. My house is a mess, my yard is a mess, my car is a mess, my hair is a mess, what is makeup? I live in trackies and have even dared to venture out of the house in them these days. But i too have gorgeous boys that i would not swap for the world. If only i could get a whole night's sleep !!
Shawn
Hang in there Allison, you'll never regret having your priorities where they are right now!!! Love your blog and your children are adorable!
Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet
Just remember when it is nap time, it is also nap time for mom too. SO you are energized and ready to tackle the world after wards. When the dishes get done, they get done. Who cares. Same with the laundry, as long as you have something to wear today. You will eventually find a rhythm and then it will be all ok again.
Cindy
Beautiful children! They grow so quickly! Enjoy them, the house and laundry can always wait...
Esch House Quilts
Wonderful pictures! Hang in there - things will settle down again after a bit. New babies shake things up in such wonderful and chaotic ways :)
stitchinpenny
Your blog shows your priorities are great and that your children are adorable. 30 years from now you will forget toys in vents, cold cereal and fabric on the floor, but the love will remain.
randi--i have to say
This is such a sweet time in your kid's lives, and I am glad that you are doing your best to enjoy these days.
I know it seems really overwhelming, but hang in there. Time for yourself and quilting is in your future. I promise! :)
PS-pretty pile of fabric!
themissymom
It's worth it. I promise! Hang in there!
Besides, cereal is fortified.
Michele
Sending you energy. Enjoy your adorable kids.
chris
This too shall pass. :) By the time my fourth baby was 6 weeks old, I got shingles from all the stress. It gets better, I promise. Just enjoy those kids, and the rest will come.
Julie
I feel your pain, we have four little ones and it's a miracle I get anything done! I posted this on my blog back when we had three and I had to share it. I think it will make you laugh and you'll appreciate the comic.
http://schloemerfam.blogspot.com/2009/03/sound-familiar.html
Amie
Haha!! I could have written that first part myself! I remember when my 3 year old tweebs would reap havoc while I nursed their baby sister. Their favorite things to do was pour chocolate soy milk and hotwheels down the vents!! I finally started strapping them into their high chairs with snacks and a book while I nursed her.
Sonia B
Hang in there momma. There will be plenty of time for sewing someday. Love those babies now, because they grow up so fast. And yes, they sure are cute.
Kristy
Such a sweet picture of the littlest one and her brother. So precious. They get big waaay to fast! Enjoy these crazy times, though it is overwhelming. Soon they are big and gone. You will get to sew again and even have a clean house. :-) But what stories you have to tell. Toys in the heater vents! Maybe he wanted to rearrange your fabric to his own organization scheme. :-) Keep smiling and laughing. K-
Tracy
You are so right! You have beautiful children, you are home with, raising them, feeding, nuturing them, loving them! I'm amazed that you can blog about it! I remember raising mine (they are now adults, hard to believe but we all made it :D) and I didn't even blog about it) And that probably is a good thing. I love your blog, you are amazing! Thank you for sharing and keep up the amazing job! What a blessing our families are!
Melissa Corry
Soooo Cute!!!
Andrea
yup, I can totally relate. My baby is 4 wks old today, and my other two girls are now sick...one with a cold, the other with vomiting/diarrhea. lets just say we're tired parents! I did manage to get a mini quilt top near done during nap time yesterday and it felt soooo good to do something fun for me =)
Sallie
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
Congratulations!
JulesHollis
That last picture is adorable. Love those little baby cheeks.
Jilly
I remember when my 3rd was a newborn (I'm about to have my 4th any day now, so I need to remind myself of these things, too), and the Health Nurse came for her one week check in visit. I told her, "My house is a mess, the floors are all sticky, and aside from supper - which has been brought by other people - we have been subsisting on peanut butter and jam sandwiches and cold cereal". And she said, "That's just the way it should be right now. Keep sitting and nursing and loving that baby. That's what's important."
Why exactly are those shelves full of fabric sooo enticing? Mine are always knocked onto the floor, too, or else they are full of lego. And apparently the best substance for lego mini-figures to use to repel off of those fabric cliffs is the thread in my thread drawer . . .
Petit Design Co.
I feel you! My baby is almost 8 months old, and now I'm homeschooling the 8 and 5 year old, and I'm living between 2 houses in 2 states! I'm ready to tear my hair out. Good thing a little sewing therapy goes a long way.
Jeanne W.
SUCH cute kids. I love it when you catch them loving their siblings. It makes your heart sing! I am amazed that you get any sewing done at all! I had my 4th a little over a year ago and have completed so little since them. Like you said the kids take ALL your energy! Glad to see you have your priorities straight. Like has been already said you won't ever regret it! Keep up the good work and hang in there!
Deb
Yes, the house cleaning and quilting will be there tomorrow, but they grow so fast. Enjoy them while you have the opportunity!
Karen
Sounds like you're the perfect Mom! Enjoy these little ones....they will grow faster than you'd ever imagine. The picture of your little boy holding the baby is priceless!
Heidi Staples
Believe me...you are among friends who understand. Don't give up. There is a light at the end of that long, messy, sleepless tunnel.
happydancequilting
Oh bless your heart. It is the hardest job in the universe - but your children are beautiful, and a precious blessing. Best Mommy advice: Sleep, don't worry, it will all work out okay.
Cheryl Arkison
I know EXACTLY how you feel right now. And when I do have the moments I'm so overwhelmed by all the to-dos that I freeze.
tubilinha tiacarminha
Eu tenho saudade até dessa fase em que você está atravessando...Hááá. E que saudade.!É tudo tão tumultuado,tão cansativo,mas passa como um relâmpago.Hoje tenho um neto de 18meses,que fica assim mesmo nos meus tecidos.Casa sempre pode esperar,o importante são esses lindos que tem que ter carinho e atenção 24 horas.Você está fazendo um ótimo trabalho com eles,os rostinhos estão serenos.Parabéns e Deus te abençoe e a sua família.Beijos.
Gretchen
Lovin' your blog. I have three kids 8,6,4.I have been there done that. Cherish the moments and don't sweat the little things. Even though they might bug you. They sure did me. But, sleep and cuddling is so much more fun :).
The Trophy Wife
Oh so sweet! Congratulations on your new baby. My mom sent me this link. I think it reminds her of our life right now. I am living with my Mom (a professional quilter) right now while my husband and I (plus our three kids and dog) are selling our house in one state and moving to another. My son is 2 years old and gets into everything....especially while I am feeding my 5 month old daughter. His favorite thing to do is get some fabric remnants and run around the house with them fluttering in the breeze like a cape. ;)
rilojane
That kissing picture is priceless... and so is a mother's job.
I try to measure my accomplishments in hugs and cleanliness, and disregard the messes and clutter. The fact that you have a (great) blog you're keeping up on top of taking care of your kids and hobbies... you are the WOMAN!
Jean
I hear you! I have three kids too, and they are a handful. Great kids, dont get me wrong. Adding the third child adds a whole new dimension to our world. And your kids are beautiful! Love the colors of that fabric.
Live a Colorful Life
So one of the links at the bottom of this post was "kids for sale." I clicked on it and you were writing about the baby crying--who must now be the middle child, right? And again, "Good thing they're cute." I so agree! And they are absolutely adorable!
Michelle B.
I know exactly how you feel and I only have ONE kid...last night I'm trying to sew a baby shower gift and my sewing area is in our master bedroom (which is really huge so there is plenty of space to play) and my son absolutely needs to be directly under my feet. The last pic of your oldest holding his baby sister and giving her a kiss...that is an abosolutely precious picture. When she gets older and wants to hang out with him and his friends, just show him this picture...
Chris {frecklemama}
Look at that sweet picture! Doesn't it help you get through the rough days? Having your third really throws you over the edge into CRAZY. But, as always, this too shall pass. Let go of those unimportant things and enjoy those little people. So sweet!
Linda
I remember when my three boys were all little. I was tired ALL the time! Never felt rested! Does it help to know that some day you'll look back and smile at the memories? Hang in there!
GKJ
I just have to share with you :) I put a photo on my blog today and I was actually think of blogs like yours when I wrote that I wondered how all these talented women find time to sew while they have kids around. I had to get some sewing done and so I let my youngest (19 months) play with facepaint at my feet while I finished off some Easter Bunnies. Even when they're being cheeky, they're gorgeous :) The photo is here, much messier than your little one amusing himself :) http://prettybobbins.blogspot.com/2012/03/easter-sewing-or-how-easter-bunny-took.html I hope you don't mind me putting the link in, I just had to share :) I was very nervous having facepaint so close to my fabrics, but I HAD to sew LOL
sleepycathollow
What a beautiful photograph of your son and daughter!
Marika
Your kids are loved and it is more important than a clean home no ?
I want to make quilt patterns and I was wondering if you knew of a "tutorial" on how to make it ? I have EQ7 so I guess it will help me but I have no clue on how to make this.. I don't know if you can help..
Lori
how wonderfully priceless. you are doing the most important job anyone could do, being there, quiding and molding these beautiful God given gifts. keep up the good work. it does pay off. i found that keeping God, laughter as well as rules in the house was the key to our sucess
Dayna at Precut Paradise
Oh my!! Those are the cutest pics ever! Take it all in, it will go by so fast!
Judy Blinkenberg
I have been watching my young grandchildren ages 3 & 7. At 63 I find it is hard work but I love it. The comments above say it very well. These years are priceless and they pass so quickly. Someone once told me that children will not remember the house clean but how much love.
sara
you can always clean house and cook, but a day spent like that, is missing something precious you can never get back. enjoy the babies while you can, they really do grow up, and out the door. faster than you can imagine. my oldest grandchild turned 13 and i still feel 21 in my brain. not so much the body tho.
sara
Sondra
Beautiful children, I wish you all the very best. You are giving what is most important to your children, yourself...
Kori
Keep it up. Hard but the right job! At least you're fishing things out of the vents. I am fishing things out of the toilet - from a currently potty training kid who has to have access to the potty. Neat! And I have a friend who had to fish poop out of a vent! So be thankful it's just toys. :-)
CynthiaT59
I have a smile that goes all the way through to my heart. Being on "the other side" with both my children in college- your post made me laugh! I loved reading the encouragement from the other young mothers and the grandmothers. I do give you all credit in how you have babies but are keeping the creative side in your life also. I loved what RaeLyn said about expectations. Enjoy the little moments in each day...laugh much!
paige
They are so worth all the work! I hope you are enjoying your time with all 3 of them - my kids feel like they are growing faster and faster every day. Just remember to take care of mom too. :)
Custom Baby Boutique
Mine are 9,8,5 yrs old...I promise they get easier and your energy will return!
The house still gets messy but it's fun ;)
When your baby girl starts walking and your 2 hands are more free, (you still have to chase) but I felt it was much easier being outnumbered when I didn't have to carry a baby!
My mei tei carrier saved me lots of sanity w my 3rd, I made it and she loved it! Hang in there!! Love your blog :)
Habibti at Home
Oh so cute!!! Rest and enjoy!
Jean
Some day he may make some not so nice comment about his baby sister... and if you have too... you may need to pull out this picture and tell him; there was a time... when you loved her very much! And that may help! Always nice to having loving ammunition! So sweet...
Halliday's
Thank you for sharing the humor behind being a mom of young kids. It makes me want to see that (the humor) more often and enjoy the cute stage my kids are in even if I'm having sleep and crafting deprivation... : )
Halliday's
Oh, one more thing... I just bought a layer cake of the same "Reunion" line from Moda. I don't know what I'll do with it, but it is so cute!
Floss
My daughter is happy and busy too, may be just as well that I only have one.
Children are truly priceless.
miamihoney
And I thought my day was loco with one, I can't even imagine. I think the cute factor outweighs any of their antics :)
Donna Becker
Your little guy in the stash is demonstrating a skill that's pretty neat for his age. He's learned that he can pull an item out of stack more easily if he uses his left hand to hold the stack in place above his right hand. That's a smart little guy!
Kara
I'm impressed that you've gotten anything fabric-related done at all! It's been two weeks since my little one arrived, and the only thing I've done in my sewing room is make the bed for a guest. So, pat yourself on the back, realize that cereal is a balanced meal (as long as it's served with milk), and try to take a nap!
able mabel
As I bounce my 8 week old on my knee and stare at my stack of fabric waiting for me, I can completely relate! Hang in there!
JusticeBlog
Hang in there! I hear you. And seriously, what is with those kids throwing stuff down the vents!? My son dropped a tennis ball one time and I could hear it rolling down throughout the house! Someday when my kids are a bit older, I'm going to get my vents cleaned out and I will probably find enough toys for a yard sale!
I'm just nervous one of them will throw something dangerous, like a bottle of milk, down the vent and then the house will stink!
sewmygosh
Oh, as a mom whose kids are all over 20, I sure do miss the young years. I enjoy looking at their photos on the wall, though, and hope that someday they'll grant me some grandchildren.
Michelle
You mean that's not what the heat vents are there for?!
The Pretty Pinhead
How do you do it? I have an eleven month old and have a hard time keeping up with just him :) I love all the pretty fabric. I'm a new follower. I'd love for you to follow me back!
The Pretty Pinhead
Michelle
Your kids are adorable! And that is the sweetest, most precious little baby girl. You're giving me baby fever! ack!
Charlotte
Fed, clothed and happy is by far the most important thing! Gorgeous pics of your little ones