It's been 12 days of transition in our house and it's been a whirlwind that is for sure. When we came home from the hospital and my parents took off leaving the six of us in our house alone, I was scared. Actually, I wanted to go back to the hospital where nurses changed diapers and meals were prepared and cleaned up for us. All of a sudden we were thrust into reality.
There was four little boys who wanted attention, questions answered, games played, homework looked at, bathtime, bedtime and snuggles. Whoa! How did this happen? How did we become the parents of 4 little boys?
But we are managing, I am managing. The house is messier, the kids are dirtier, I'm not sure when I showered last but we are happy. Happy to be Big Brothers. Happy to have Maddox in our lives. Do you know how hard it is to remember his name or even call him the right name? It's pretty much impossible. He's more often then not referred to as "new baby" around here. And if it's not that it's one of his brother's name. I wonder how the Duggars do it? How do they keep their kids' names straight with 19 kids? Now that has to be impossible.
Carson has taken the lead on Big Brother status. He loves snuggling and holding Maddox. He's very concerned about where he will lay or be at any given time, whether he's hungry, needs a diaper or is crying. It's quite the experience to watch your oldest become such a responsible little boy. His concern for not only Maddox but his other brothers is inspiring. 
Bennett became an overnight big boy, who still refuses to talk. Someone should really potty train this kid because two in diapers is expensive, not to mention his diapers are kind of gross. I should really get on that but I can't seem to find time to shower or go to the bathroom in peace so I'll just hope it magically happens overnight. What? That's a crazy thought? Don't tell me that! He's made the transition into Big Brother hood pretty well and enjoys rocking Maddox (albeit at a fast pace), holding him and shoving his pacifier in his mouth regardless if Maddox wants it. 
Declan is also enjoying his baby brother. He's very good at holding him until he get's too wiggly.He's turned into my little helper by helping with breakfast, lunch or dinner, retrieving miscellaneous things throughout the house and always doing so with a running commentary.
I'm recovering ok. Breastfeeding is always a challenge and this time has been no exception. It's painful, hard and difficult but we are soldering through. Maddox is eating every two hours On. The. Dot. around the clock, if not sooner. Oye! He loves being swaddled and sleeping in our bed. He's got some crazy skill that allows him to pull his arms out of his jammies every night. Straight out the top, so bizarre! 
We are adjusting to the sleepless night.
Actually it's a good time to enjoy some peaceful, uninterrupted
snuggles with our babe. It's a time to kiss his soft hands, smell his
sweet head or play with his little toes. Since he's our last I feel such
a strong pull to enjoy every last minute of these precious first few
days. I don't want them to go fast but I know they will. I know I will
vaguely remember these chaotic days at some point and I'll try
desperately to remember that newborn smell. They should bottle that
because it's delightful! It's been a hectic transition but we are getting through it and enjoying our all our babes!
I took 110 pictures this morning. I'm 145% sure its impossible to get everyone looking at the camera AND smiling. But, it turned out cute anyway.
You may be mistaken....
I think he was a little traumatized...
By taking a bath...
with his two older brothers.
I have lots more pictures from our shoot yesterday. I was rather impressed with myself. And I'm going to do another one this morning. When I finish it all up I'll share the rest. For now enjoy this one.
Four months is like a magical turning point in babyhood. Your definitely not a newborn anymore but a full fledged baby. You are so laid back, so easy going, so content and happy. It seems the only thing you want to do is have someone look at you so you can share a smile or laugh with them. A whole new world has opened up for you this month as you've been able to spend time in your exersaucer and johnny jump up. Being upright allows you to watch your crazy brothers run around or watch Emily sniff around you. It's fascinating to watch.
We also shed your infant seat this month. Something I was dreading with every once of my being. For one because it means your getting bigger and two its much easier to carry a 4 month old around in an infant seat then it is in my arms. Especially when we have on 47 layers of clothing to keep us warm in the winter. But we've managed to survive so far. We're still working on nap time and doing our things when you aren't sleepy. If there is one thing I like, its a baby on a good sleep schedule!
Mr. Bennett is pretty excited to see his daddy everyday. While the other boys request wrestling, Transformers, Star Wars and swords this little boy just wants daddy to look at him, make him laugh, maybe give him a raspberry. His response is a big drooly toothless smile! And if I zoomed out on this picture you'd probably see 2 boys on top of daddy's back. And he wonders why its sore all the time?
Bennett has been spending some time in his exersaucer and now grandma's walker. Which puts his world into a whole new perspective. He loves watching the boys go crazy or Emily do laps around him.
And he's even been doing some tummy time.
And sitting up.
And I also know that this is a little boy who has been sporting some WILD hairdos lately.
Trying to pose 3 boys for a nice simple picture, in their new sweatshirts, is a task for the birds!
Keeping an eye on his brothers or his brothers keeping an eye on him. Not sure which.
Three pictures.
Yes, that would be this little guy. Mr. Bennett is already a month old. I really can't believe. He is doing great, eating like a champ and sleeping pretty good. A week ago he clocked in at 11lbs 7 oz which is almost 2lbs more then when we left the hospital. Carson and Declan are enjoying him and have turned into our little helpers.
He even enjoys his Baby Jacuzzi.
But then again who wouldn't enjoy it!
And I just want to eat up his little feet.
And he just wants to eat his little hands.
Here is Mr. Bennett's 1 month picture.
I did this same thing with Declan, this is him at 1 month. (But must not have had my marbles in a row with Carson because I never thought of it...Darn). Speaking of Declan I think its safe to say he is potty trained. Trevor and I knew once he figured it out he would be a piece of cake and we were right. Does everything by himself within a week! Way to go Declan!
