Christopher came in this morning around 8am to ask if he could have a box, some pins and a pen. He’s in the yard collecting various leaves and poking them into the cardboard them labeling them (as best he can.) Joseph saw this and came in asking for a pen and piece of cardboard scrap then ran back out. I overheard Christopher asking him, “Oh, are you going to do it, too?” and he’s now helping Joseph collect, too.

I love that he’s exploring and taking the initiative to do things like this. It helps me feel less bad about doing nothing formal with their lessons right now. 🙂 I know, I know, I had a baby five days ago but still… it’s a constant balancing act to make sure all of their needs are being met and academics is one of those areas I want to make sure isn’t abandoned as we make this shift to life with six little ones. It’s not the top priority, of course, but I think keeping it in mind makes this transition easier. To keep some sense of structure as we find our new normal.

Moira’s on the couch next to me doing her math (our goal was one math lesson per kid this week, just to remind them of the existence of their math books!) and Emy’s playing memory on the iPad. Bennett’s at speech and Olivia’s napping. I’m writing thank you notes. This is the first time I’m alone with Joseph and Olivia – I’ve had five of the kids before briefly but Kit always takes Joseph with him. I was a little nervous about how it would go but so far Olivia’s zonked (I nursed her right before Kit left) and Joseph’s too busy with Christopher to notice anything else.

I know as I heal this will get even easier, I overdid it yesterday and need to take it slow today. But I’m feeling optimistic that with some naps worked into the schedule (for me, even if Joseph doesn’t nap) that we will get the hang of this. Kit’s home this week and next week he’ll probably put Joseph down for naps after lunch then head into the office until I call and beg him to come home. 🙂