Dear Mrs. Future Ethan Packer,

I apologize ahead of time for my son's black and white personality, his unwillingness to try new things and his love of staying at home.  He was born that way, I promise.  Since he was a baby, he has had a hard time with change.  Let me give you some examples.

"Mom, do you know what my favorite day is?" Ethan asked after closing his last study book before the weekend.

"What?" I asked.

"My favorite day is when I don't have any math to do, and we don't go anywhere, and no one comes to see us."

As you know, this conversation describes Ethan so well. He loves to be at home.  He would rather be left alone to a chemistry set, toys or books than go out to dinner or take a walk.  One time we were reading a book together for school and I was asking him to compare and contrast a picture of a busy drive-in burger place, and a boy on a boat in the dark of the night.  "I like this picture," he said pointing to the boat, "because it's calm and quiet."    

He's my HOMEboy.  There was actually a time we were packing up to go to Chuck-E-Cheese and he whined about having to leave the house.  My girls were not like this.  I could barely leave the house without one of the girls begging to go with me.  It didn't matter if it was the bank or the store, they would want and welcome the change of scenery.  

Once, I bought Ethan a new shirt.  I don't remember the design but I remember I thought he would really like it.  After being in his drawer for a few weeks I asked him, "Why don't you wear the new shirt I got for you?"  

"I'm not used to it yet."

"But you like *whatever* design."

"Yeah, but I'm not used to it.  I can't wear it until I'm used to it."

So, I did the best I could.  I'm sure you love all the many wonderful things about him that I do: his love of science, his willingness to help out and of course, how much he loves his momma.  That's probably why you married him.  But as for the aforementioned things, I am sorry.  

Your Future Mother-In-Law,

Destiny 

P.S. I almost didn't use this picture because of the big, fat mess in the background.  But when you make me all of those beautiful grandbabies, you will relate.

6 Pack...er

Come on over to my house for a moment and share in the chaos of 6 Packers.  It's been a crazy week of adjusting to new baby but there is so much to be thankful for.

For starters, I have 4 healthy children.  I have been reminded this week that health is not something to be taken for granted.  I am also thankful for a loving husband who doesn't seem to show fear when he pulls up to the house with a wife standing near the front door starring out the window in "hand off" anticipation.

What has been perhaps the most unexpected and delightful surprise is the reaction of my older three children to their new sister.  Like turning the corner to see Ethan reading to Olivia.

 Everyday, they all can't wait to hold her.  Ally climbs into bed every morning and asks to see "my baby."  She smothers her with kisses and hugs.  I think Olivia may be slightly frightened by her.  She hasn't quite learned the art of gentleness.

Abby held Olivia for a 1/2 hour today on the couch.  She smiled at her, sang to her and kissed her.  Yesterday, Ethan burped her and she fell asleep on him.  

Olivia got her first bath today and the kids all gathered around to see her.  I weighed her on the scale afterward and the kids congratulated her on growing.

Yup, just me, hubby and four beautiful babies.  I'm loving my 6 Packer!