5+ years of life with our gang has provided some interesting realizations. Any family can relate, but we've definitely learned to live without a few key things.
Silence - When the preferred method of communication is "scream-over-your-sibling-for-supremacy-and-priority", 8pm bedtime and the weird lack of noise feels foreign.
Egos - Ever been through a half-day at work only to realize you have a large crayola marker streak down the back of your pants? Had to apologize and creatively explain to the Costco cashier why your son keeps yelling "You look like Brobee! You look like Brobee!!!" ? Me neither...
Hair - Gen's gets more gray by the day and loves the excuse to get her hair done. As for me, the kids have learned and proudly declare that "Daddy's hair ran away because it was scared!"
Disposable Income - Obviously we're not the only ones out there watching the ol' finances closely.
Stepping back and truly differentiating between "need" and "want" helps keep things in perspective.
Spontaneity - I wasn't great with this concept before kids, but Gen definitely laments the "good old days" of unplanned day trips and flying by the seat of your pants. Sadly, our concept of living on the edge lately is mixing up the order of Saturday grocery and shopping destinations.
Personal Space - Don't get me wrong, its adorable looking down at a 5 year old tugging on your pants and staring up with puppy dog eyes asking for something. For some reason, doing the zombie-walk-leg-drag with a screaming foursome attached, while navigating a never ending maze of books, toys, and a 110-pound black lab isn't quite as adorable... Lately, we refer to this scenario as "7 a.m."
I can honestly say we don't miss many of these things, and are blessed with healthy kids and a good life. Trying to look at that glass as a little more than half-full these days, and working on that spontaneity thing this weekend (we're going for Fro-Yo - watch out!!)
Lots of excitement in our house for the Halloween festivities and weeks ahead. More to follow soon - have a great weekend!
- Conor
That was great! Totally relate:)
ReplyDeleteWe had our first Brobee moment the other day... Jack saw a GIGANTIC biker dude at the restaurant and kept yelling "Daddy, dat's a BIIIIIG BOY!" Ugh, could you pick on someone who couldn't kick our a$$es, buddy?
all I can say is- as mundane as it all seems, I'm endlessly jealous. You have 4 beautiful children and a loving wife. That is more than any man can ask for in life.. celebrate and enjoy every, single day! You are blessed!!
ReplyDeleteLove your honesty! Hope you're having a good weekend in the city!
ReplyDeleteha! Silence? What's that! In my house, my 2 boys totally drown out my 1 girl...but I can totally see how 3 girls could burst some ear drums!! ha!
ReplyDeleteLove the "hair" comments!
Have missed your guys' posts. Hope you're all doing well!!
aw man you guys are so funny. For the record, you both look great!
ReplyDeleteYou made me guffaw with "Lately we refer to this scenario as '7 a.m.'". So funny!
ReplyDelete-Holly