This week, my husband took the older two kids on a whirlwind tour of Philly and the Jersey Shore while I stayed put with the littler two.
Since he had the help of his parents and my mom, and well, I had our sitter for a couple of days and um, just two little kids, we've both basically been on vacation.
I have to chuckle that I actually think two kids is a break, but it is. It's really one step below a week at the spa.
With the two of them, there's no fighting whatsoever. There are simultaneous naps where the house is completely quiet for two straight hours.
No cooking. Very little cleaning. And no guilt about a couple of television shows while I get a little work done.
It's magical.
I realize that having all the kids together means they do occupy each other. And in some cases, I do a little less with the older kids are around because I put them to work.
It's the first time in a long time that I actually emptied the dishwasher.
But I don't care how great it is to have all the kids together to keep the others entertained, there is something about the quiet and simplicity of the two that I've appreciated.
It's also amazing how much they miss each other, clamoring to talk to each other (and not me) when they talk on the phone.
"I want to go to the playgwound wif evweyone, Mom" Margot told me. She then listed off all the members of the family, in case I had forgotten.
It's all she knows.
And as much as I appreciate the bit of respite this week, I feel the same exact way.
Just ask me how I feel tomorrow afternoon when the hurricane arrives.
And I'm not talking about Irene.
I think about this, too, when I'm home alone with my 9mo baby, and his two sisters are off on an adventure (probably at Target) with their dad. I love them all so, so much, but it's so *quiet* when it's just we two!
Posted by: red pen mama | August 29, 2011 at 02:55 PM
I only have 2 and it seems like chaos to me...not sure how you manage 4!
Posted by: Rachel | August 28, 2011 at 09:42 PM
I still can't get over Margot talking. (I know, I'm like a year behind.)
Posted by: Mom101 | August 27, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Wait. Margot is talking? And making lists? Where does the time go?
Posted by: Diana | August 26, 2011 at 03:41 PM
This is so true. I will say, that even though the missing is bad and the luxuriating is great, the reunions are the best.
Posted by: Amanda | August 26, 2011 at 02:54 PM
Since having more than one child, anytime I am down a kid or two it feels like an enormous load has been lifted off me. The change in dynamic is amazing.
With my oldest starting kindergarten, this is exactly what I am experiencing every day for 8 hours . The younger two at home don't fight, nap or rest together and in general are more easy to take anywhere.
Enjoy your peace while it lasts!
Posted by: The Mommy Therapy | August 26, 2011 at 12:26 PM
So sweet. I can only imagine what life will be like with one baby on the way, never mind 4. I hope I get to know what it feels like to have 4 one day.
Posted by: RhodeyGirl | August 26, 2011 at 10:27 AM
I also have 4 kids, so I TOTALLY understand! Even if I'm only down to 3 kids in the house, it feels so much easier. And it's the sweetest thing when I hear my youngest on the phone with one of her brothers telling him that she loves him(they never say it to each other while together).
Posted by: Kari | August 26, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Very sweet. I completely understand, even though I am always just with two. I treasure the quiet when I'm on my own or just with one, but I miss the squeals and nuttiness of everyone together.
Posted by: Kristin | August 26, 2011 at 08:15 AM