Blissfully Exhausted

On June 27, 2012 we welcomed our 3rd little one, Sarah "June" into our family! I have gone from being a mother of 2 boys to being a mother of 2 boys and 1 girl. Growing up I always said I would love to have 2 boys and then a girl. I am humbled, excited and so grateful the Lord has given me the desire of my heart!
These past 2 weeks have been a complete whirlwind! I am in the process of adjusting to life with 3 children ages 3 and under. It's been crazy, sweet, chaotic and exhausting all at the same time. Every time we welcome a new little one into our family, I gain more and more respect for my own mother who had 5....and home schooled us all! She's my hero!(-:
I'm one of those crazy mothers who loves the newborn stage! It's my absolute favorite age! It goes by so fast and I truly try and take in every moment possible. But just because it's my favorite, doesn't mean I think it's the easiest. I would give anything for a good 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep right now! But then, that would mean my new baby is growing up and that happens fast enough as it is. So for now, I enjoy these sleepless nights because for me, it's uninterrupted alone time with my little girl. Precious time together that I know will be gone all too soon.
During these long days and "not so great sleeping nights" I hold close to a verse and poem my mom had copied and framed for me. It was her gift to me at my baby shower for June.  The poem was on our refrigerator growing up. It now hangs in my kitchen. I know she held it close to her heart as I am now holding it very close to mine. The verse is from Isaiah and the poem was written by Amy Carmichael, a missionary and a mother to thousands of orphans in India. The words of her poem was written in the cover of her Bible.

“These children are dear to Me.  Be a mother to them, and more than a mother.  Watch over them tenderly, be just and kind.  If thy heart is not large enough to embrace them, I will enlarge it after a pattern of My own.  If these young children are docile and obedient, bless Me for it; if they are froward, call upon Me for help; if they weary thee, I will be thy consolation; if thou sink under thy burden, I will be thy Reward.” -Amy Carmichael

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11