for jen

two days late but here we go. :) I've heard from different people with kids that it's a whole other world going from one to two. I had twins the first time around so I really can't say I know for sure. I know with two the same age doing the same things there's a lot from the beginning that I do not remember. Eight years later I had my daughter. The boys were old enough to be able to help and were at school all day. A little while each day she was the only child. That was easy. A few years later Jacob came along. Emily turned four a month after his arrival. When I was pregnant she was old enough to know how to play video games from her big brothers. And watched plenty of kiddie tv. This made it possible for me to nap during the afternoons. Which was a wonderful blessing as all pregos know. After Jacobs arrival Emily liked to help with him. She was a proud big sister. I think that helps a lot. You need to include the older kids in with the new ones. They won't feel as jealous and they can be a big help. They can run and throw the stinky diapers away. They can get you a clean one. They need their one on one time too which isn't always easy. I think kids like having other kids around and only children miss out on some great stuff. Every family fights especially siblings. And they shouldn't always have to get along. They need their own space and their own things. There should definitely be some toys that do not get passed along unless the older child wants to. This also gives the older sibling a chance to play with all their baby toys again and they love it. Emily likes watching all the little kiddie shows with Jacob. And I have caught Andrew watching Blues Clues which he grew up on. Which one of us doesn't secretly or openly enjoying watching our shows like Sesame Street with them? Emily will put shows on for Jake. Yet I have heard her on the phone telling a friend she was stuck watching Max and Ruby because her baby brother was watching it. This is one of her favorites. But I guess even in first grade Max and Ruby is not cool. More kids mean more craziness. I think the biggest difference from one to two is now your stuck choosing which direction to go when they head in opposite directions. And they definitely will. Sure it'll get a little crazier but thats just part of the fun. Why would I even consider going for five if the chaos wasn't a great time. Seeing them interact with one another and help each other is one of the best gifts they can give you. And you will love every minute of it. Maybe not right away when its happening like when their smashing chocolate easter candy into the rug but later, sometimes much later, you will always remember it and smile.