I cannot believe the leaves are turning, Halloween is almost here, which means Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a brand new year are upon us. I literally just got used to dating checks with 2015. I mean, seriously, I'm not always the brightest bulb but wow- this year really has been flying. There is something about being a kid that makes time crawl. Then, there is something about having kids that has made life turn into a whirlwind-- well for me anyways.
I can't believe my twins are going to be 2 in just three days. Oh. My. Word. If you want an update to how much easier life gets as they grow a hahaha a hahaha aha (as I snort and choke on my laughter). No. The sleep is better, but wowsa-wooosa. It is a lot of work to chase two year old(sssss). I mean, honestly, one two year old can be a lot. Two is intense! We're in the stage of "why" and protesting with wild screams of "nooo" accompanied by limp body tantrums and fake tears that buddy up with the fake whining. I am exhausted. I feel guilty because I often think about how much easier activities, events, mealtime, car trips, bedtime--- EVERY THING would be if I had one 1 (almost 2) year old instead of two. Ish. I feel like a turd just typing that out for whoever will read it. But here's the thing, I'm a real-life lady/momma/wife/friend. I experience highs and lows and I could sugar coat until we're all over weight with all the icing and cutsie putsie little amazing fun things that come with having twin GIRLS!! (whoop whoop, purple, pink, stars, hearts, matching headbands--- ooh-la-la). BUT, like I said, I keep it real. So even with the challenges that come along with being a mom to an 8, 5, 4, and two 2 year olds.... I know this life was meant for me and it's my job to do it justice. It's my God given right to think that having two 2 year olds is serious business and quite frankly, I- I will survive!! Sing it with me now!!
Aubree is doing amazing. Her hearing age is 9 months and she is a little superstar. Her hearing loss not being anything like her hard of hearing brothers and sisters scared the ba-jeebers out of me. I still will sit and cry thinking about the fear I had when I didn't know if CI'S were going to be able to help her auditory neuropathy. The hardest part of being a parent has got to be when you watch your kids go through something and your not sure if there is anything you can do to help them. When you don't know what the quality of their life is going to be, you really get backed into a helpless corner. Recently, Aubree has shown such drastic improvements in language and a deeper desire to wear and appreciate her CI. It's really done wonders for my heart. I have zeros ability to express my deep gratitude for the way God has let this situation unfold. I am humbled.
The bond that my children have with each other is both enough to make me want to poke out my eyes and sometimes I melt with joy right after that. :). Seriously, it's a ride- a roller coaster. Sometimes I'm all like, awww... look at them. Miles gives Aubree and Baylee a hug and a kiss every day before the bus picks him up for school. *yes, so touching and sweet*. The next moment, Baylee is trying to change Aubrees dirty diaper. *not so touching, not so sweet*. Bleh. So really, they are like most other kids. The oldest, Noah, drives his sister CrAzY literally every day. He knows every button to push. But then I hear from a teacher how he runs up to her in school to give her BIG pick-her-up hugs and even says "love you KK". Ummm... yeah, roller coaster.
I've learned through the years that every child will be different. Even when you think you have spotted a pattern, that is about to blow up in your face and you can just restart that book. Kendra is really the sweetest little girl. Oh yes, but she is also the spiciest! I was thinking Bay was headed in that direction, when boom! She went way mild on us. She chilled out on the whining. Out of left field, quiet little huggable Aubree brought the sass. If you were to ask me a year ago, I would not have anticipated the personalities. My only point with this, really, it's all about seasons. Hug 'em, love 'em and get over it. It's not going to go the way we think, so I'm done trying to predict what is yet to come.
Literally, the weirdest things happen to me. We were at a hotel 2 weeks ago, a cousin of matts was getting married. Of course, we brought all five kids to night one (Yeah, I am smarter than that... but ummm.. yeah). The twins had not napped that day as we had driven to the cities to go to a corn maze. My brother in law and his amazing wife along with my nephew drove in the same vehicle as matt, myself, the twins and Noah. Bless their hearts, they will not make that mistake again ;). The twins are terrible travelers. If one is not crying, the other is. It was a Loooongg 3+ hours in the car. Painfully long. They fell asleep 20 minutes before our destination and that was their nap. Strike one.
We made our way through the maze, managed to escape with all 5 kids unharmed and well (our first big outing). We went to our hotel and checked in. While heading in the building with all of necessary equipment, Baylee face planted on the cement and Aubree started running for the highway. Strike two. Yikes. Again, we made it in to our hotel, mostly intact. Exhausting. This is why I stay home, I was reminded.
We thought the girls would sleep well since they were without nap. No. Such. Luck. It was 8:30 and both girls were still screaming and protesting laying down. They were sooo exhausted. Our phone in the hotel rang. Great, I thought. The hotel front desk had probably had a complaint and wanted us to get our kids to pipe it down. Ummm... nope. Wrong. It was matts aunt advising us to evacuate our room because there was a FIRE!! Have I ever mentioned how WEIRD THING HAPPEN TO ME?!? So.. 2 sleeping kids, 2 crying kids and one almost about to fall asleep child in tow- we had to evacuate to our vehicle. Strike three, we were out!
Clearly, we survived. There was a wiring issue and blah blah. Anyways, we got back into our room a couple hours later. And now... now I have another "neat" story to tell. :)
Im an emotional gal, which is probably why I gather ideas and share my life experiences with all you blog readers. So many things have happened and continue to happen in my life. My heart strings get challenged almost daily. I've had so many interactions with others and life experiences and that is why I believe I have an old soul. I've lived and I've learned enough to know that as I'm allowed to keep on living, I will keep on learning!
A few years ago, a few good girlfriends of mine helped me to realize that my love language was words of affirmation. I learned that I NEED to know and hear that I am of value. It was a piece of my identity that I'm glad I discovered. I truly am very shy, to myself and self conscious. Being aware of my character traits in combination of my love language has helped me to work through some of my emotional distress. It's not easy to get compliments if your anti-social ;). Friendships are necessary for my survival!!! I need people to appreciate the way I think, to enjoy my company and to build me up. Thankfully, I've got some really really REALLY great friends. People that appreciate and love me!
WHOOP, THERE IT IS!!! Love and appreciate your people, your family, your circumstances! The crazy weird things your kids say (right?? It's not just my kids that do and say hilarious and strange things!!). Take some time, slow down long enough to notice and to love and appreciate!
