Family of Four

We knew that some day this would happen. We knew it would be crazy and exhausting and wonderful, and it is. We are a family of four.

There were many things I hoped for as I prepared for Owen's arrival, but there have been so many blessings above and beyond what I could have hoped for. Where do I even start?
I guess I'll start with Leif. I had a lot of anxiety about Owen's delivery because of Leif. What do we do with Leif? We don't have family in town, and Leif had never stayed overnight with friends. I was so worried that he would be traumatized by our sudden disappearance, seeing me in labor, etc, etc. Our good friends Mark and Donna-Marie (who live only 5 minutes away!) offered for us to drop Leif off at their house whenever I went into labor. DM watched Leif several times while I was pregnant so that I could get the nursery ready and rest, and Leif is great friends with their kids Will & Gwennan.
The day I delivered Owen, I dropped Leif off in the afternoon to go to a doctor's appointment, and ended up starting labor on my way home from the appointment, so Leif just stayed. Leif enjoyed the Rothnie house so much that DM had to bribe him to leave by sending him with his favorite toy! She also watched him every Monday & Wednesday of June! I was able to catch up on rest & housework- what an amazing blessing. (Of course now Leif wants to live at their house!)
My dad flew down as soon as I was in labor and helped out with Leif while we were in the hospital. What he didn't know was that we were naming Owen after him- I waited until he was in the hospital holding Owen. I said to him, "Dad, meet Owen Warren." Then we both cried.



My mom came down once we were home with Owen. I knew that she would be helpful. I didn't realize just how helpful she'd be. She had my house sparkling clean- she did my laundry, she helped me with the baby, she was amazing. What I enjoyed more than all that she did for me was her companionship. It was hard to let her go home.


Jen Greenwald has come over several times to help with the baby and help clean up the house. She and Ben babysat the two boys last weekend so that Charles and I could get out for a date night.



My in-laws came for a visit. They always help with food and house projects and had some good times with Leif and Owen.











My dad and Patricia came for another visit because Patricia wasn't able to come the weekend Owen was born, and she wanted to see him while he was still so little.
Several friends brought us dinners. We have been showered with blessings.




My delivery this time was much easier on my body, and I had much more strength and energy much earlier on than I did with Leif.
On top of that, Leif has welcomed Owen so well, and is gentle with him and so helpful. (most of the time!- he IS only 2!) He calls Owen "his baby" and kisses him all of the time!

I am starting to really enjoy my days with the two boys, especially if I time nap time correctly! We're learning how to get out with the two boys, and even enjoying ourselves sometimes!

Overall, these first 2 months have gone better than I could have hoped, and I am so thankful to everyone who gave so generously of their time and attention to make it so much easier for us.