Have I mentioned that L is back in diapers? Well, I saw that coming. When Jason left I figured it'd be a matter of days before she had some kind of problem. She just loves him so much and I know it's going to be hard on her to be away from him. Fortunately, the girls are still nursing and so that has become a useful tool to calm their fears. Unfortunately for me, I have 4 1/2 kids in diapers again. (Joshua is still in diapers at night.)
Thank you all for making me feel better about mixing up the babies. Which is great, because I did it again this morning. This time it was just for a minute and then I realized my mistake. When I told Jason (he was able to text me last night) what I'd done he laughed. He said it was great because he's not been able to tell them apart since birth but he was embarrassed to tell me. Phew! That's a relief! I don't know how you moms of higher order multiples do it! More than one baby is just too much for a sleep-deprived brain.
Yesterday I developed yet another plugged duct. For those keeping count, this is number five. Plus 3 cases of thrush and one bout with mastitis. I was hoping the babies would be nursing better by now but there has not been much improvement. Nathan is having the most trouble right now. They have their follow-up appointment on Friday with the ENT. I know it can take weeks for their latch to improve so I'm trying to be patient.
Yesterday Joshua's speech therapist pulled me aside to talk about his tonsils/adenoids. She noticed that he breathes through his mouth and mentioned that it could be causing more problems with his tongue control. He already has very poor tone in his tongue and lower jaw as a result of spending 3 1/2 years severely tongue-tied. I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for not demanding they fix his tongue sooner. He will catch up eventually but none of this would have necessary if they would have fixed it when he was a baby. At least Nathan and Ryan should be able to avoid those problems.
Needless to say, I was exhausted last night. Taking all 6 kids out by myself is a monumental task. I hadn't even showered since Jason left (gross, I know!) so last night I collapsed into a hot bubble bath. I didn't wash the dishes. I didn't finish sewing. I didn't finish editing articles. I didn't finish preparing my taxes. I just sat in that tub and lit a few candles. Had a long talk with God. Pondered the meaning of my life. And emerged refreshed and ready to face another day. I may have to make this bubble bath thing a nightly ritual. Maybe with vodka next time?
We are still chugging along here. Taking it one day at a time. Only 270 more days until Jason graduates and comes home!
ETA: Yes, I did read Leila that story! How could I say no?
