Maybe Not Five

One of favorite stories to tell about Dave's and my relationship is what happened when we went on the Engaged Encounter.  During the weekend you spend time answering questions in a journal and then meeting with your partner to talk about it.  One of the things we answered questions about was how many children we wanted to have.  Dave answered 5 to 7 and then I almost choked.  I said 3 to 5.  Oh to be young and in love.....

This past week we had our niece and nephew with us while their parents were in the San Juans celebrating their anniversary.  After 3 days by myself with 5 children under the age of 6, I can say this:  I don't think I want 5 children and I am so glad that Robin was not twins.  Honestly,  the kids were pretty good.  My nephew, Dylan, is exactly in between Eileen and Linus (if Eileen had been born two minutes later, she and Dylan would have the same birthday).  Gwen is 3 months younger than Robin.  Dylan moved between his cousins, sometimes playing with Linus and other times with Eileen.  The odd child out played by themselves contentedly.  Linus has bunk beds so sleeping arrangements were easy enough.  Costumes, Playmobil, and Legos kept them entertained.  Eileen and Dylan especially enjoyed a costumed lifestyle.

Ninjas, blow darts, and booby traps

Linus decided to earn his screen time.  Minecraft was enough of a draw to inspire him

I took the kids up to the top of Phinney Ridge, making use of my walkable neighborhood--Starbucks, picking up the dry cleaning, 99 Monkeys, the library.  But oh the looks you get when walking, pushing a baby in a stroller, another baby strapped on your back, one kid riding in front of the stroller, and another 2 kids walking by your side.  The kids were perfectly well behaved, but oh the looks.  I don't think I would have been as self-conscious had I been strutting naked by myself.  For contrast, I took just Robin with me to the grocery store and people ooh and awed over him and a person who worked there gave him a cookie.

Dave and I got very little sleep during this whole thing.  Feeding a baby during the night who is used to nursing is no small task.  Gwen was very patient but I think I averaged 2-3 hours of sleep both nights.

Early morning cousin time.

Gwen was a trooper throughout the whole ordeal.

I'm glad I could give my sister and brother-in-law the gift of alone time and I feel honored that they trusted me with their children, especially their baby.  I proved to myself that I could do it.  I even managed to get the babies napping at the same time and all five kids down for afternoon naps/rests at the same time.  The past few days served as a good reminder that maybe I really do not want 5 kids.  Yes my own five would be more spaced out, but......oh those looks.  My 3 kids keep me sufficiently busy.