sling diaries :: connection

one of the reasons that i've heard over and over again as a reason

not to have a big family is the fact that people believe that there can't

possibly be time to give each child the attention that they need.  people

seem to think that the children get lost in chaos--unheard. disconnected.

although it takes some intentionality, i'd argue that just the opposite is true.

we make a very intentional effort to know each of our nine children.  to hear them.

to see them.  to validate them.  we are super careful with their screen time, favoring

face to face & working together over it.  i've learned to take full advantage of one-on-one

time with children--even if it's one that wanders in as i put on make-up or to tell

me something as i cook dinner.  

i've learned the subtle signs that come from 

parenting a hurt child--signs that say that, while having all these people over is fun,

i need a little breather on the deck alone with my mama.

oh, and the babies.  the poor babies that get lost in the shuffle.  well, that couldn't

be farther from the truth.  they have nine sets of hands here ready to hold and love them--

although snuggled on my chest is their favorite place to be. 

at bedtime i sometimes get selfish & impatient, ready for 'my' time.

i'm always thankful for the many times that i get it right though--

taking time beside each of them in their bed.  

chatting silly and fears and questions and hopes and dreams.

that lady was so old and lonely, mom.  

 my ellie has a blunt honesty with her words.

she's recalling delivering the hollowed out pumpkins that we filled

with flowers to the widows in our church.  i asked how she knew she

was lonely & ellie replied that the woman told her.

oh, how good it is to see you! she said.

i remember the days when my house was noisy with children.

now it feels so lonely. 

we were the ones that wanted to bring her a gift, but she gave me one

that day.  she reaffirmed what i know to be true.

connect now.  hold tight now.  stay in the now.

steadfast with each of them because it really is true how quickly it slips by.

:::::::::::::::::

this post is a part of Sling Diaries: volume II--chronicling the art of babywearing

in 15 families.  you can follow along on the facebook page and pinterest.

photos by my friend, liz, while over for this small group function.