Allow me to reintroduce myself

Hello,

I’m Annie. Mother of four; two sets of twins, currently aged two and four and a half. I’ve taken a long break from writing but realized that while the writing served the dual purpose of updating people on my pregnancy journeys, the writing was helpful for me. The past two years have flown by in a way that doesn’t seem possible. Some of the days are long. Extremely so, but the years sure have been short (as they say). I’d like to say we’re getting room to breathe, but it seems like more is added to the plate on a daily basis. I have a brief moment of solitude while the older two are at gymnastics with dad and the younger two are babbling away in their cribs as they go to sleep.

The differences between the two experiences of the first two years were striking; the second set ate better, were bigger, and we were certainly more experienced and ready for their arrival. The sleep went similarly – sleeping 12-13 hours by four months or so, but again, we did a diligent sleep training routine with both sets. My big kids are the issue now, with several night wakeups every night. Most of the time, for no reason, other than hugs. I don’t have the solution to that, so if you have any great ideas, let me know. Until then, I’ll assume it’s the world’s longest phase and wait it out. As much as anything, I want a log – I didn’t do baby books; it’s not my thing, but I’ve got calendar reminders for first teeth, walking, etc. But, as they grow, there are so many important moments that I want to savor with the written word to aid in feeling gratitude for years to come.

Carter and Isabelle are in Pre-K and will go to Kindergarten next year. Isabelle prefers Izzy, most of the time and is the biggest helper in the world. She also is a bit of a….precocious…. shall we say, child. She’s quick to correct Carter (and anyone else) on anything she deems incorrect. Not maliciously, by any means, but if there is any misinformation that Izzy believes is being spread, she will correct it. It’s a trait that very clearly comes from me, so it’s funny and interesting to watch it develop. Parenting is like a mirror shined on you in the most damning and exposing way. I’ve been enjoying the introspection it brings (during those 10 minutes per day of alone time). Carter is focused on play, all the time. He really loves cars and trucks and rough housing. He’s less concerned with rules, following them, listening, etc. The juxtaposition in the two has been incredible to watch.

The littles….oh, the littles. Though they were easier (definitely) in the first year, they are something else at this point. I know they say second children test you – I think in my case, it’s the second set of twins that tests you. They are into everything, want to do everything their big sister and brother do, and are big for their age. It makes them a force to be reckoned. Scarlett is hilarious when she isn’t causing me to pull out my hair. Reckless, fearless, and loving – with a mind of her own. She loves to take toys from the big kids and then run away hysterically laughing until everyone is chasing her. Landon is my sweet giant. He fiercely loves his mama, snacks, and Mickey Mouse. Each child is so different, but the happiness I see in their eyes and souls keeps me going daily. The passage of time is what makes me sad. However, the perspective is important and after each phase, they go through a new one – each as special as the last (some more challenging than others).

That’s the romantic story of the kids. And, it’s true. But most of the time, someone’s standing on the table, everyone is screaming mama, and no one likes their dinner.