With all the kids, there are certain times when there is a shift—with either a perspective, a routine, or a general feeling—for the better.  It’s like a step forward, a moment where there is a conscious acknowledgement of leaving behind the way things were and moving into a new phase.  Recently, I have felt more ‘settled in’ as a mother of three young children.  I have felt much more capable of going out with all three of them and being confident that I can keep them safe while getting done what we need to get done.  Part of that is everyone is older and part of it is that they all have adjusted to the addition of Delaney, and the reality that we have to do everything differently.  I have to give Franny and Cole credit—they were able to give up their old routines and learn a new way of doing things—sometimes adjustments became readjustments, as we definitely made our share of mistakes.  There was never a shortage of love or acceptance—Franny and Cole surprised even myself at how completely and sincerely they embraced the arrival of Delaney.  But, that doesn’t help us cross the street or enable everyone to do everything they want or need to do.  Over the last eight months, through much trial and error, we have slowly established a set of systems, a way of handling different situations and environments.  Now, we seem to have finally hit our stride.  I feel we can do just about everything we used to do.  Although, now we don’t just do anything.  There has to be preparation and a plan, or everything will fall apart.  Hoping for the best will always bring on the worst—there are too many personalities, needs, and variables that come into play.   But together, we have learned a lot and have come a long way.  And for now, things are good.  Very good.