If you’ve been reading my blog and listening to my show for long you know that my niece gave birth to quadruplets almost one year ago and that my son and I have been a big part of their support system. Even more they were born, we were on ‘Quad Mama Watch’ for many weeks as Tracy was placed on strict bed rest at about 17 weeks and needed a lot of company and help.
The babies were born 11 weeks early. Tiny but in good health! Max, Piper, Brody and Willow spent over three months in the NICU and we finally celebrated their homecoming just before Christmas.
Ever since then I have been sleeping during the day and covering the night shift with the babies so that mom and dad could get some sleep. From December through May my son worked the night shift with me. Sometimes it didn’t seem that two people would be enough! With four little ones needing to eat so often and get lots of treasuring in between – we were busy babysitters every night.
In May the babies were sleeping enough that I felt I could cover the night shift on my own. Sean moved over to the day shift, helping stay at home dad Gabe with the babies while Tracy worked.
You know I enjoyed those first months with all of the babies – but it has been the summer months when it was just the babies and I that I have felt most blessed by this experience. Can you imagine being able to snuggle four sleepy babies every night? Sure, there were some nights that they put me through my paces – but I never felt overwhelmed.
Well, last night was my last night shift.
Max, Brody and Willow are sleeping through the night and Piper is only waking up once. They no longer need Aunt Kelly in the next room ready to deliver a bottle and snuggles on demand.
On one side, of course I’m pleased to be returning to a more normal sleep schedule.
But on the other – it’s the end of a season in my life that has been so precious to me and I’ll admit to you that I’m really going to miss it.
Fri, Aug 22, 2008
Working at Home