A Season of Change: Welcoming Our Little Blessing

It has been a little over 8 weeks since we welcomed our sweet baby boy into the family. This tiny bundle of joy has been such a blessing, filling our hearts with immeasurable love. His big sisters are absolutely smitten—each in their own unique way—and it has been both heartwarming and humbling to watch our family transition into this new season of life.

Our little man is a carbon copy of his sisters, almost as if we pressed “copy-paste” on our genes. In fact, when we look back at pictures from when the girls were newborns, it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart. Along with their adorable shared features, he also inherited something we could have done without—reflux. Just like his sisters, this means that lying flat for too long causes him to spit up and occasionally choke. It’s terrifying to hear the little squeaks he makes when this happens, but we’re thankful for the warning sound. We’ve affectionately dubbed him “Squeaks,” even though the origin of the nickname is far from lighthearted.

Because of his reflux, he sleeps best while nestled on one of our chests. My husband and I have adapted to this by taking shifts—one of us staying awake to hold him while the other catches some rest. It’s a delicate balance, but one we’re willing to maintain to ensure his safety and comfort.

Adjustments for Everyone

Bringing a new baby into the family is a beautiful blessing, but it also brings about significant changes for everyone. Our five-year-old has been adjusting to her new role as a middle child. For so long, she was our baby. Now, she’s figuring out how to embrace her new identity as a big sister. She adores her baby brother and constantly wants to be near him. Wherever he is, she’s there too—watching, helping, and soaking in every precious moment. However, she struggles with sharing her time with him. If I’m holding the baby, she’s right by my side, and when she has an activity, she’s hesitant to participate because it means stepping away from him.

Watching her transition is bittersweet. She’s stepping into her role as a big sister beautifully, but there’s a part of me that aches as I watch her let go of being my baby. It’s a reminder of how fleeting these moments are.

My oldest, my thoughtful and gentle soul, has been stepping up in ways that have both amazed and humbled me. She’s taken on extra responsibilities around the house, trying to help with chores and care for her siblings. She balances this with her school and playtime, showing a maturity beyond her years. But with this newfound responsibility comes its own set of challenges.

The Beach Ball of Emotions

The other night, my oldest had a breakdown. It wasn’t like the anxiety she’s experienced before—it was deeper, a culmination of everything she had been holding inside. She told me she had been trying so hard to help, to not be a burden, because she could see how much I had on my plate. But in her effort to help, she bottled up her feelings, and it finally became too much.

She described it as a giant beach ball of emotions, ready to burst. Hearing her words broke my heart. As a mom, I try my best to meet each of my children’s needs, but sometimes, in the chaos of life, things slip through the cracks. I hadn’t realized just how much she was struggling to navigate this new chapter.

We sat down and talked—really talked—for over two hours. She opened up about everything: the things she’s learning in her activities, how she feels about helping out more at home, and the struggle of balancing her desire to step up with her need to just be a kid. It was a raw, vulnerable conversation, and it was a wake-up call for me.

The Power of Love Languages

Years ago, my husband and I read The Five Love Languages to better understand each other. Over time, I’ve applied its principles to my parenting as well. Each of my children has their own unique way of feeling and expressing love, and my eldest's love languages are words of affirmation and physical touch.

That night, I wrapped her in a big hug and told her how much I love and appreciate her. I’ve read that parents should never be the first to let go of a hug, so I held on until she was ready. We stood there, embracing for nearly five minutes. It was a moment of healing for both of us.

When we finally pulled apart, she still looked sad. Then she said something that melted my heart: “I just really need to hug my baby brother.”

She cradled him gently, holding him close for nearly 15 minutes. As I watched, I could see the tension and stress leave her little body. It was as if all the weight she had been carrying was lifted in that moment. One baby healed another, and I was left in awe of the pure, unconditional love between siblings.

Homeschooling Through the Chaos

This new season has brought changes to our homeschool routine as well. Lessons happen between feedings and naps, often in a race against the clock. When I manage to lay the baby down for a short stretch, we dive into schoolwork with laser focus. It’s not perfect, but it works—for now.

A dear friend once told me, “This is just your season of life. It won’t last forever, so embrace it as much as possible.” Those words have been my anchor on the tough days.

Homeschooling with a newborn is messy and unpredictable, but it’s also full of grace. It’s teaching my girls resilience, patience, and the beauty of flexibility. Most importantly, it’s teaching all of us to cherish these fleeting moments together.

Closing Thoughts

Life with three kids, including a newborn, is an adjustment—a beautiful, challenging, and transformative one. My daughters are stepping into their new roles with grace, even as they navigate their own struggles.

Through it all, we’re learning, growing, and loving each other fiercely. And as I watch my daughters cuddle their baby brother, I’m reminded of the incredible bond they share—a bond that will carry them through every season of life.

This season may be chaotic, but it’s ours. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.