It is the eve of my twin boys’ four year birthday and my head is swimming with memories, the joys and frustrations of the past four years. When my boys were babies, I remember seeing older kids and not being able to imagine them ever being that big. Of course, I still do this, but all of a sudden I find myself with kids tall enough to reach most of what they need, strong enough to climb just about anything, old enough to put their ideas/thoughts into words, and capable enough to do an ever-growing list of things without my assistance.

In the thick of parenting young children, I have often longed for short breaks and looked forward to times when I don’t have to do “everything” for them. I dream of days when they can find and put on all their own clothes, read a book to themselves, or make their own lunch. But tonight, as I look back to the memories of the past four years and realize just how quickly the time has passed, I am thankful for what I still CAN do for them.  I am thankful that they still want their mommy’s help, that they aren’t embarrassed to be affectionate, and that I can “make it all better” with a magic kiss, a ruffle of their hair, or a tickle on their belly. Though I know the frustrations of early childhood will remain ever-present, I will do my best to cherish this precious short time I have with them while they are still little boys.

Happy Birthday Arthur and Wesley!