Frogs and snails, and puppy dog tails...

I have a slight case of baby fever today. Symptoms include thinking fond thoughts of sweet, angelic little faces and tiny, curled up bodies whenever I look at my children's faces. Also a yearning to hold and snuggle with a little, brand-new person. Tickle tiny toes, kiss a just-formed belly button, nurse a new little one again.

Ok, so maybe it's more than just a slight case. This may need some serious medical attention!

The cause, at least in this case, was the opportunity this morning to hold and rock the week-old baby of our next-door neighbors. He was sleeping - I haven't actually seen him awake yet, the little guy is an awesome sleeper... And all bundled up in a blanket so we had to hunt for his tiny little feet and toes...

Sorry, got carried away for a moment there.

While there is no complete cure for baby fever, it does help to take a healthy dose of reality and remember such things as middle of the night feedings, changing more diapers, buying more diapers, buying more of - everything, morning sickness, and how stressed I get with just 3 children to handle.

Phew! That and watching Becca dump sand all over herself in the sandbox this morning, therefore requiring a bath before naptime today, hearing Abby and Hannah squabble over who got to pick the movie for quiet time, and working on catching up on the multitude of loads of laundry that need to get done this weekend.

Ok, crisis averted, I think. I may come through this just fine. Especially since all I have to do is step next door to get my fill of baby fingers and sweet sleepy smiles any time I need to. I will have to watch out for a possible relapse this winter when my friend Mary has her baby in January, but I'll be careful not to let the fever infect me too much.

At least for now, anyway. :)