Photo taken by Fawn Lily Photography
This is the first time since having Frankie, almost 4
months ago, that I've used the computer. These days, phones and the iPad are
far more convenient and easy to stash away. Not to mention, with Steven in
school, he is usually using the computer for homework in the evenings. I have
decided to make a little time for myself, so here it goes...
Photo taken by Fawn Lily Photography
Let's just start off by saying: three is HARD! God gave
me a wonderful body of pairs. Two eyes, ears, nostrils, arms, hands... You get
the idea. With my two little toddlers, I was busy, but I could still wrangle
one per arm if they both decided to gang up on me. I have the cutest, most
perfect little toddlers. And they did what I wanted most of the time... And we all
got along pretty well. Enter in the third little angel. I have since been in situations
where both Ezzy and Jules seem to want to go in opposite directions. One wants
to run, while the other is tantruming on the ground. Or one is standing at the top of the tallest slide, and the other is making sand rain. I'm handling it okay as
Frankie is still small enough to carry, but he's growing SO fast (funny how
it's quicker with each child) and starting to get pretty heavy. I find myself desperately looking around
for that third arm I feel I'm supposed to have. Or the third eye so I can watch
all at once. Heck, I'll even take the third leg if it means I can run faster as
I try to chase the kids. The third nostril, I think I'll do without. No
need to have diapers smell ANY stronger than they already do!
When I was pregnant with Frankie, my kids learned
that if they made themselves as flat on the ground as possible, tripled their
weight, and slather themselves in nonexistent oil, it was near impossible to
pick them up. Same rules apply when I'm carrying the baby. The innovation and
intelligence of my toddlers has me amazed and terrified at the same time. With
my first, I remember I enjoying the milestones and even encouraging him. No
doubt subconciously planning the bragging rights ("My baby was walking at
9 months old! It's because we did X,Y,Z that he's so smart!"). Number two,
I missed precious moments between the sleepless nights and zombified days. I
remember when I first saw her pull herself up on to a stool and I wondered
where my baby had gone. The first time she stood, I had to resist the urge to
push her down to discourage her from walking. (JK, but it's kinda true..) She
started walking at 10 months and immediately started death defying acts.
Instead of saying, "MY child knows the ABCs and can count to 100." I find
myself saying things like, "Where did they learn THAT?! I certainly did
not teach them how to pick, lick, smear, punch, scratch, flash, any one or
anything!"
It's been an interesting
learning experience for me to see my children each have their own perfect
little personality that is completely their own. That's something I know I
can't take credit for. And I also can't ignore that each child has specific
needs and wants. One standard way of parenting does not bring me success. One
kid loves to snuggle, the other loves hugs that last milliseconds. One is a human vaccuum, while the other enjoys taking seven hours to eat a
sandwich. I've learned to try to laugh (to keep from crying) and enjoy these
moments. Some mannerisms are fleeting, while some can last months. These
experiences have shown me that there's so much beauty in diversity. In some
simply beautiful way, all these talents and differences come together and make
up my family. The hours spent wiping sticky hands and cradling sick kids in my
arms are what builds my relationships with these tiny humans. For now (all
three are miraculously napping), I'm happy that I get this time to be able to
reflect on what a blessing each day is!
PS: I just realized that I wrote absolutely no real details about baby Frankie, my poor third child. I really do love the sweet cuddles I get from him and soft kisses. I love how his whole face lights up when he smiles. More to come! xo
