The Good Ol' Days

My parents took the Big Boys for a few days last week so it was just me and the Mini Men, and I was struck by how quickly one can forget the sheer intensity of life with two needy younguns. 

Four years ago, this was our life: carefree days moving from meal to playtime to nap, endlessly repeated and sprinkled with cries and laughter.  I've been waxing nostalgic lately, a bit sad that a part of that lifestyle has given way to (a few) daily requirements in the form of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

On the other hand, I quickly remembered that life way back then was not all fun and games.  Days are endless stretches of constantly shifting activities: trying to synchronize naps; heading off tantrums; interpreting one wail from another; filling cups and pouring snacks; changing diapers and assisting with potty breaks; reading Truck Trouble five times in a row. 

Each stage has it ups and downs; there are joys and trials with each child at each moment of the day.  And whether it's interpreting Toddler or feigning interest in NASCAR, being awakened to demands for food or shuffling over-tired kids to bed at night, being a mom is the best job by far.