a new normal

Ok, I'm back. I just needed a week to figure out the new me (that time gets shorter with every pregnancy!).
Here's how it happened:

New me #1
Last weekend we went to someones house for games, stayed until 10 ish and then the very next night had some great friends over for dinner - all four girls did amazing. So amazing that we had more people over tonight.
Just because we can't get out doesn't mean we shouldn't be able to see people.
If we feed them, they will come!
Also, I have a new secret weapon. Every time we have people over for dinner I am now adding to the evening a paid babysitter to keep kids out of whatever room the parents are in. It's AWESOME! The parents actually get to talk and the kids have a blast. There, now it's not secret but it's still a weapon.

I love people and being around people so those few encounters have revived me a quite a bit. Thanks everyone!

New me #2
when the 'little girls' (that's how we group them around here...'big girls' and 'little girls') got on a schedule, courtesy of their mother.
We are all happier campers when babies only eat every three hours, like it or not (and they seem to really like it!)

New me #3
I am finally caught up (as much as possible) with cleaning/laundry from the birth and holiday RUSH. I didn't realize just how much all of that set us behind. But, now I know that's all it was, yea! I do have a little time during the day now to just sit and play with Lydia and Samantha (which makes for new 'thems' too! I know, that's not a word.)

New me #4
-I cut Lydia and Samantha's toy collection in half, meaning I only have to 'help' them pick up half the amount of toys we had before (this is a big one!)
-I started organizing the basement, Jake built me some fabulous shelves and our play area is now usable! (again, this is a big one!)


So, there you have it. The new me.
I still can't answer the phone or door. So, if you come by, just come in. If you call, please leave a message...I will call you back! Promise!
Other than that...I am breathing today and will keep you posted.

(There were a few bad bad days in there, but let's just pretend they didn't happen for now, I'll write them in my book one day and be an inspiration to some other mother who accidentally had 4 kids in 2 1/2 years! - yeah right, like anybody else is that insane!)