The older 5 and baby

The older 5 are really enjoying their new little sister. Micah keeps saying, "oh, she's just so cute!" and Hanna likes to make sure Madelynn has her blanket. The twins will often say "baby", and Hanna will then stick out her tongue and say, "bleh" (in reference to her dirty diapers :D). Aria and Nina enjoy holding her and making sure she is o.k. This morning, Aria came to me and said, "Mommy, Madelynn threw-up! I think she's sick!" She had just spit-up, of course, but I thought it was cute. :)

Our older 3 are used to having babies around, and the twins always had to share mama and papa's attention. So, we weren't too worried about there being any real "jealousy issues" with the new baby. I think the most difficult thing for me since bringing Madelynn home from the hospital is trying to keep all of our kids' "love tanks" full. What I mean by that, is that each of them will feel loved, special and secure. Yesterday, Micah was watching me cuddle with Madelynn and then said, "mommy, can you cuddle with me and read me a book?" Of course! And when Aria woke-up from her afternoon rest time before every one else, I could tell she was a little down. So, I asked her if she'd like to make cookies with me, and she lit right up! I feel like I definitely need wisdom in knowing how to divide my attention between all 6 of our little ones, and it is a challenge. David and I have just been trying to give lots of cuddles, hugs and kisses to our little ones lately.

I'll just add that my husband did an absolutely wonderful job taking care of the older 5 while Madelynn and I were in the hospital. Of course, he had lots of great help from Oma and his siblings, for which we are thankful! It doesn't matter that one of the first things I did when I got home was brush Aria and Nina's hair, and comment on how nice Micah looked in his church pants on a Thursday afternoon. The kids were all healthy, happy, and well-fed! David did a super job! (He just keeps saying that he is SO glad I'm home! :D)

Here are some pictures I took last Thursday of the older 5 meeting their baby sister for the first time. (Please excuse all the messy hair... they had just woken-up from their afternoon naps.)