Reflections on three (and four)

Last night we had my nephew M over for a sleepover. He's 4 like Big A and the sweetest little boy. The kids had a blast together and several times over the course of the day I thought it was almost easier having 3 (with 2 the same age) because they played together so well. Then my niece L came over last night for a while and I took it all back! 4 kids threw both J and I for a loop and we were seriously in awe of my sister and BIL who have 4 of their own. How do they do it?

The house was LOUD. The kids fed off each other and dinner was a hilarious discussion that started with hot dogs and ended with poop (doesn't it always?). We went through a package of hot dogs and rolls, a can of baked beans, a bag of sweet potato fries, a jar of pickles, a bag of baby carrots and half a bottle of ranch dressing. And that was with 3 girls and a boy...my sister has 3 boys and a girl and I don't even want to know what that grocery bill is like or will be like as the boys grow into teenagers.

After dinner we had no choice but to take the energy outside for a walk to the bridge at the end of our street. We turned it into an adventure to see the Grumpy Old Troll (10 points if you get the reference) who lives under the bridge. J played the part of the GOT very well and made us all laugh. The next couple hours were filled with bangs, screams, shouts, laughs, cries and head bumps. J and I both collapsed on the couch when the night was finally over and looked at each other. We both said, "Never."

As it turns out, I think we are both too lazy to have more than 2 kids. Once you get above 2, "me time" pretty much goes away for about 18 years. The "tag team" is no longer as effective and its all hands on deck. And I can't even imagine the feeling each morning if I was left alone with 4 kids while my husband went off to work. Honestly? I'd be scared.

So I just want to say to all the moms of more than 2 kids out there - I salute you. And better you than me!