I know there are a lot of people in the world today who would call us crazy for having our children so close. Our newest edition, baby number four, is due the same month our oldest turns four. It is true that our home often runs a bit on the side of chaos and noise. But its a joyful kind of chaos. And though the noises aren't always joyful, they are always a reminder of our reasons for being so.
Having children close is harder for Mom and Dad, that's true. Little ones do take a lot of time and energy. But it so much fun for the little people involved! The closeness I mentioned above was not in reference to their ages, but to their emotional relationships. There is something so precious in the bonds between siblings. The love and care that I witness in them every day often leaves me in awe. (And often a little choked up, though that may be in part due to these pregnancy hormones ;)
It started right from the beginning.
(Daelynn will never remember a time without siblings.)
And its grown and grown, just as they have.
Every day is a "play date". Every game has play mate. They always have a buddy.
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| Buddies make chores even more fun! (If you have toddlers, you know they love this!) |
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| Need help getting the lint out of your toes, look no further. |
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| Need a buddy to cuddle up with to watch a good movie, we've got that! |
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| Looking for someone to give you a "haircut" with a Nintendo controller, we've got that too! |
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| Peas in a pod. Buddies for life. |
And to their great delight, we keep adding buddies!
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| She's a little excited, in case you couldn't tell. |
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| Buddies means helping hands |
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| and lots and lots of smiles. |
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| Hugs |
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| and cuddles |
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| and love. |
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| Fun games |
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| and great stories! |
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| And so much sweetness! |
So yes, our kids are "crazy close" in the best possible meaning. They are the closest of friends. We have to remind Blake on occasion not to intentionally wake Daelynn up to play if he gets up from nap first. Daelynn always makes sure Blake is getting a treat too, before she will even take a bite of hers. He will rarely get his sippy cup, without getting hers as well, and hand delivering it. They genuinely miss each other when they are apart, and they literally jump with joy when they get reunited again. :) Daelynn had to work for weeks to get Garrett to smile at her when he was younger, but she never gave up. Now he always has a smile for her. Blake is rarely ever still, but he will lay still and hold Garrett's hand, and just hang out with him. And my sweet girl refers to the baby I'm carrying as "my baby in mommy's tummy". (She has decided there is only one in there and not two. But she is holding fast that this baby is a girl!) She already talks excitedly about helping to feed the baby, sing to 'her', and she can't wait until they get to share a room! It is pretty precious to hear.
My children are siblings. Do they disagree sometimes? Of course. They are young and still in the beginnings of a lifetime of learning self control. But their love for one another is very evident, every single day.
Is our home busy? Yes. Is there constant noise and movement? Pretty much. But I've never seen more love and beauty than when I watch those precious little people together.
