Parenting Has Taught Me a Few Things

I have four children. A few more than the "average" family, but I've never fit into a mold anyway. More unique than the number of children is their ages. My twin sons are four, my next son is three and my daughter will be a year in two weeks. Wam, bam, thank you Maam.

Sometimes having four children within four years is difficult. Some days they fight. A lot. Some days the noise level reaches that of a Van Halen concert. Sleep can be elusive and my food is always eaten at room temperature, coffee reaheated five times or more. It can be trying. But you know what? Even on the days I'm in tears by the end, wondering what the heck I was thinking, I still wouldn't trade these four children for anything in the world.

My children are my life. I look at them and sometimes I can actually feel my heart break, it is so full of love. My entire day can be brightened by one of Gabriel's smiles. A snuggle from Gideon instantly melts my heart. The way Micah calls me "Mommy" is a sound I will treasure until my dying day. The soft whisps of hair on my daughter's head, nuzzled against my cheek is more comforting than a thousand bubble baths.

My children know they are loved because more than that, they are cherished. Kisses, hugs and "I love you's" are given a hundred times a day. Each one is sincere, each one is special. I can't kiss them enough.

Time is flying by and school is right around the corner for my boys. As their little lives blur by, I've learned a few things. Perhaps you'd like to walk through some of this invaluable knowledge with me?

• Babies should not be born early, but when they are, their tiny fingers and toes will touch your heart in a more spectacular way than you could ever have dreamed.
• There is no such thing as holding a baby too much.
• Socks will not ever stay on baby feet and once you've stuffed them into your purse after the tenth time you've almost lost them some little old lady WILL ask why your child's feet are uncovered. She will then accuse you of freezing your baby.
• Spring babies are sweet, summer babies are sweet, fall babies are sweet and winter babies are sweet.
• Your baby will not be a baby long enough.
• Potty training twin boys is a little more difficult than digging the Panama canal.
• If you have two identical toys, your sons will still fight over just one of them.
• Babies develop at their own pace. Comparing your child to your friends will bring nothing but worry and grief, none of it necessary.
• Putting a bib on a baby does not mean their clothes will stay clean. It defiantely does not mean your clothes will stay clean.
• Noses are the perfect place to plant kisses.
• Never has the phrase "I love you," melted your heart more than when it comes from your own child.
• Once you are mother, you will cry at every news story involving a child.
• Ice cream is ok for dinner every once in a while.
• It is impossible to go to sleep at night without sneaking in to kiss your sleeping angels.
• Christmas is more magical with children.
• Knowing the names of all four wiggles is not mandatory, but you'll know them just the same.
• Your heart will have enough love for each child without ever taking away from another.
• Being a mother (or a father) is a lifetime commitment, one you will never regret.
• As much as I love my children, God loves me and them even more.

Who knew being a mom could teach me so much? My life has changed drastically in the last four and a half years. I've never learned so much.