Vandewater Family: May 2012

I recently told someone it's like Zachary has gone through his entire baby phase in three months. He is such a "big boy" now whereas when he came home he was very much a baby. Zac is now done with bottles and has much less time for cuddling because he has to keep up with his brothers! He is saying a lot of phrases in English, sneaking out of his bed at night to jump in with Joah, and joining in the wrestling matches. He loves to swing high on the swingset and zip around on Asher's little powerwheels jeep. He laughs uncontrollably when we tickle him - it is the best sound in the world!

I will say this month has been harder for me. I finally noticed that even though Zachary was doing so beautifully, I was starting to unravel. I was very overwhelmed with the "dailyness" (mountains of laundry, never ever finishing a task, and still making sure I got a chance to really connect with each child each day) and was starting to doubt that I could be the mother I wanted to be to all five of my kiddos. I heard that little lie..."You could be a really great mom to two children. Think of all the time you'd have to help them with homework, make sure they always used their manners...maybe even their clothes would match because you could dress them instead of them dressing themselves!" At one point after Asher had completely trashed our basement and had a few deliberate "poop" incidents I cried on the phone to Justin, unsure that I could do it and do it well. I also asked some precious friends to pray for me and I firmly believe they carried me yet again and God gave me a renewed mind. I started to recognize when the lies were creeping in and choose to battle against the enemy who placed them there. I know I am a good mother and I have no doubt this is what I'm called to...raising up our little arrows and sending them out. I loved what my friend Erica told me..."Asher's arrow has fire on the tip." Indeed it does. He is a little warrior. All of our kids are very strong, some of them often defiant. But they are also fiercely compassionate and wildly fun. It's not an easy calling to be a mom but it's what I love. I am so in love with these five little fiery arrows.

three amigos

Daddy took the girls to their first father/daughter dance

Joah's preschool graduation

A common sight when you have 2 and 3 year old boys!

Nana and the boys

The red car is always a favorite at Nana's house

The kids really wanted to swim in the lake Mother's Day weekend - I think that was a first!

Zac stayed in his bed the first 2 months he was home - now he's venturing out...this is where I caught him after we tucked him in. He wanted to put his shoes on to go out and play!