Sorry...

When friends and acquaintances ask how Avenn is doing, I feel I should start my answer with an apology.  I do not want to be jinxed.

She's wonderful.  Truly wonderful.  She sleeps like a champion.  She wakes once a night and has since her first night home.

I know.  Newborns do not sleep that well.  We swaddle her and lay her down. She is out like a light in minutes.

I have many friends with little ones right now and I feel guilty when they ask how she is sleeping.  I do not want to answer.  I am afraid of being punched right in the mouth.

I get it.  The boys were not such good sleepers.  They were not bad, but typical.

I took Brice to his speech therapy appointment Monday.  A mother of two, her youngest 3 months old, sat beside me and asked about Avenn.  She was a tired mommy.  I understand.  I remember the days of just longing to have a five minute shower.  I did not want to tell her.  I wanted to lie.

I answered truthfully.  Her response to me (fire in her eyes) was, "well you look good for having a twelve day old baby".  I had to tell her.  I immediately replied, "she's adopted".  I felt guilty.  I told her it was easier for me because I had not birthed her.  I rambled about being more energetic and able to do more.  I spilled my guts.

In truth, we have three kids.  Our home is a three ring circus at times.  We are developing a system.  Brian and I are doing a good job of picking up each other's slack.  We just stepped off an emotional roller coaster.  We did not know if she would ever be our baby. We are just so thankful. We are ending on a high note. So far she's the easiest one.

I do realize as I typed that last sentence that I will eat my words someday. Probably someday very soon.

I am however, going to enjoy every peaceful minute of it right now.

And let's not let her adorable brothers be forgotten because they are pretty great too...