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Because it turns out that though we are indeed old and tired and knee-deep in trying to guide kids through their final years of childhood, whilst shuttling them all over town, a new baby never fails to transform the entire family, and functions as a bit of a catalyst for things like virtue and, yes, happy moods. In less happy news, when Baby Boy turned three weeks old, he gave us a bit of a scare. It was surreal (and, frankly, sad) spending the holiday away from most of my family, but we did video chatting and the kids assured me that they didn’t mind having to wait to open gifts and eat fudge–they just wanted their little baby brother to be okay. Baby Boy’s birth and then his hospitalization, I don’t regret putting construction off for a bit.

We are slowly moving forward and figured, you know, maybe it’s not the best time to leave the state when they’re breaking ground on a new, larger septic system at our house. Turns out, though, that the whole political commentary thing is turning out to be pretty fun, getting to write stories about social issues and things that don’t really fit elsewhere. Not sure where I’m going with it, but it’s a good challenge. What’s funny is that even though she and I probably don’t share a ton in common, I absolutely resonate with some of her feelings about social media and image and the like.

I also think that over time you kind of figure out your family’s unique rhythm, priorities, and culture, and some things just kind of go on autopilot. You start to spend more time simply enjoying your children, and station in life, and less time trying to figure everything out. I love that my oldest children are such capable helpers, and things really have gotten much easier over time, as the older kids have gotten bigger and taken on more responsibility. And if you’re Catholic, you’ll most likely continue having little ones for awhile and every time you do, it’s like starting over.

Of course after having had all of my school-age kids in school for the past three years, it’s definitely been an adjustment for me. I’m super grateful the kids are home, and I wholeheartedly recommend homeschooling to anyone who’s thinking it might be time for a change, who wants something better for their child academically, or who simply wants to bypass the many sordid dramas of middle school. Right now I like that my kids are with their siblings each day, that they’re not being negatively influenced by other kids, and that we’re not doing homework every night. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that kids are fairly adaptable, and continue developing and learning no matter where they are–but that a school environment can really have an impact on a child’s academic and/or social success (or failure), and I’m grateful for the freedom to educate my kids at home if I so desire.