We were on the road again for Labor Day week-end. This time, to visit our kids in Minneapolis and two of our newest grandchildren, Robbie and Jacob. We Babysat on Friday giving us free reign to spoil them rotten. The rest of the days were spent just enjoying the company of their parents, Bob and Gretchen, and feeding, changing diapers, entertaining babies, and doing the Grammy dance. Some would think this a lot of work but when tempered with an astonishing love it is pure enjoyment. However, we needed some serious recupe time on our return home.
It is amazing how two babies can consume every waking minute of 4 adults. I found myself wondering how Gretchen has managed the most difficult first six months alone.
I had two babies my first time out of the gate and then two years later had another one making three babies well under three years of age and seriously don't ever remember feeling overwhelmed and definitely never sorry for myself but I don't remember it being so much work. I used to see moms on the TV news who had four babies and thought they had it made. Once you hit the four mark it seems like help comes oozing out of the woodwork but with two you were on your own.
That isn't necessarily the whole truth. We didn't know we were going to have two when it happened and as soon as word got out it was amazing how people we hardly knew came forward with gifts, especially with needed equipment such as another swing, crib and infant seat. My brother even returned the stroller they had given us as a shower gift to the store. When asked why he was returning it, he told the clerk it didn't work -- She had twins. Also, my mother lived near enough to offer occasional respite and I had a wonderful neighbor who was always there at the drop of a feather when I was in trouble. We didn't realize so early in our family life how important our community was already becoming to us.
Gretchen never complains about the burden of having two babies. For the most part it is twice as nice. On those days when it seems like the world is caving in it is good to remember that moms with only one baby probably experience just as many of those days.
My hat is off to Gretchen and Bob and their ability to tolerate the effort it takes to make a wonderful home for their growing family and to always see the awesome beauty of their situation.
I had two babies my first time out of the gate and then two years later had another one making three babies well under three years of age and seriously don't ever remember feeling overwhelmed and definitely never sorry for myself but I don't remember it being so much work. I used to see moms on the TV news who had four babies and thought they had it made. Once you hit the four mark it seems like help comes oozing out of the woodwork but with two you were on your own.
That isn't necessarily the whole truth. We didn't know we were going to have two when it happened and as soon as word got out it was amazing how people we hardly knew came forward with gifts, especially with needed equipment such as another swing, crib and infant seat. My brother even returned the stroller they had given us as a shower gift to the store. When asked why he was returning it, he told the clerk it didn't work -- She had twins. Also, my mother lived near enough to offer occasional respite and I had a wonderful neighbor who was always there at the drop of a feather when I was in trouble. We didn't realize so early in our family life how important our community was already becoming to us.
Gretchen never complains about the burden of having two babies. For the most part it is twice as nice. On those days when it seems like the world is caving in it is good to remember that moms with only one baby probably experience just as many of those days.
My hat is off to Gretchen and Bob and their ability to tolerate the effort it takes to make a wonderful home for their growing family and to always see the awesome beauty of their situation.
How could this be anything but pure joy.
