Why I am SO grateful for volunteers!

As I was falling asleep last night I realized all my main points of gratitude for volunteers happen to begin with an S:

1) Sleep
2) Sanity
3) Seth
4) School

To elaborate:

1) Sleep: Last night at least one baby was up until 1 a.m., then again from 3:45 on. That was our night's sleep. We did it in shifts and together, then napped seriously when volunteers arrived at a little after 1 p.m. for the afternoon shift. Admittedly, it was a very unusually (thank God) difficult night, but clearly we cannot know which nights are going to be unusual and which are not. It's like they knew it was just Mom and Dad and decided they wanted to see more of us! As the saying goes, their cuteness is the only thing that saves them at 3 a.m. Even in the middle of the night I find them stinkin' adorable!!! Gavin said the same thing too.

2) Sanity: I have to get out of the house sometimes, Gavin has to work, otherwise we will both go nuts. I can't do anything that requires concentration for more than a few minutes in the house. Everywhere I look there is someone who needs me or something I should be doing, perhaps 5 things/people at once! I've taken to going to Barnes and Noble to work in a quiet space (currently on thank you notes, which I love doing but will no doubt never complete or even remember all of the dozens and dozens of people who have blessed us!). It is BLISS. Actually, I've only done it once but plan on continuing when able after I've visited Seth during the day. I never made it out of my pj's today. :}

3) Seth: I get to spend time with him when there are enough people around. I didn't get to see him this weekend because Saturdays and Sundays tend to be scant in terms of volunteers (everyone has their own life!), and it's difficult to get (1) and (2), above, to the point that I can make it to (3).

4) School: I read to Isaac's class one hour a week, something that has meant a tremendous amount to him and to me, and I think to his class, too.

I've been working on this blog since 7-something. It is now 11-something, wonderful Barb has arrived, and IT HAS BEEN CONSTANT. Isaac has also been in the mix, obviously. :) As I began this 4 hours ago, two babies were sitting in front of me, alternating their fussiness, another was fussing in the swing, and Gavin had the 4th. Now two are half-asleep, one is falling asleep, and one has been asleep. Oops, now one is waking up. . .

Thank God for family nearby! They are always here when I call, if at all possible. They are also all working, however, at least part-time. So, all this to say, thank you, volunteers! Thank you everyone else who is praying, as well as all those who have given to the "nanny fund" or donated airline miles so we can fly people in from other parts of the country. God IS providing! It's been such a blessing to get to know so many fantastic new people. It's also good to be an extrovert at a time like this. :)

Blessings, love and gratitude,
Carrie