This past week we had 2 extra kids. We watched our great nieces Hayden (3) and Dylan (18 months). While I don't think you ever fully forget what it's like to have younger kids, you block part out. Very quickly though remembered that a 3 year old is so curious and ask no less than 8000 questions a day. They just want to learn and know everything, and really, you have to love that they aren't scared to just ask. Toddlers have endless amounts of energy, until they finally crash. Reason number one why I am glad I started kids early and finished early. And they snack lots. All kids snack, but when all you can fit in your stomach is a few goldfish at a time, you have to have snacks often. I miss this stage, but on the same hand don't. While it was a very busy week, it was also a fun week. Nothing is better than getting Dylan excited and happy over something so simple and hearing her laugh, or Hayden figuring something out and it making sense to her and feeling like a big kid.
Emery was all into she was taking care of the girls. She would take on everything and she could do it all. She made lists (which she'd kill me now if she knew I saw them) and plans. I did put my foot down on sleeping with Dylan. I wasn't sure what kind of sleeper she was, but usually younger kids do best alone (and she was the best sleeper)
My favorite one is 'try not to get tired if the children'. That's every mom's moto.
They play all day the first day. I tried to tell Emery to let others help and she doesn't have to carry Dylan all over, but she thought she knew more. The girls were really good, a little nervous getting used to out house and everyone around. Dylan was really good at giving me a stink eye. She let me help her, but she would stare me down the whole time. And it lasted the whole time; she wasn't sure if she liked me or not.
Cam showing Hayden the pool. All of the kids were excited to help out.
Even Beck played school. Hayden said he was a good teacher.
Pretty sure she didn't eat it... but she did love the smell.
The first night she insisted on sleep with Hayden. I didn't try to fight it, but I knew she wouldn't sleep well(which then wouldn't help out the next day). The next day she realized that she can't do it all alone. That 2 kids is a lot for anyone to take on, especially a 12 year old who hasn't really had to deal with little kids. She came into my room and was just quiet, said she was okay, but I knew something was up. Eventually she got a little teary and said it was a lot. I told her that Brad and I are watching the girls. We do need help from everyone, but she isn't doing this alone. I got the boys up and told them it was their turn and she watched a show for an hour. She needed a break for a bit. From then on she did let other help and spread out who gets to be with them. I did add in for good measure that this is why you don't have a baby until you are with someone you love and who is there to help you.
Look at that smile!
And look at that sass. Dylan was fun to watch with all her attitudes.
Emery and I went out and got a few crafts to do with the girls as well. It broke up the day.
Jackson is the only one really with toys left, which didn't leave room for many girly toys.
Hayden pointed to every pop and asked if it was expensive. We put those ones away and told her if she can reach it, she can play with it. They were in heaven. After that, the Pops in the front room were the go to toy.
To cool off we went to the pool. Thankfully they were happy with the kid pool, and when we went it wasn't too hot, it was perfect weather.
All our kids went to Uncle Paul's to watch a movie, so to keep the girls busy I took them to Costco with me. I was a little nervous, but they were so good. I did forget how much more work it is to get kids in a cart, food in the cart, food out of the cart, kids out of the cart... all in 103 degree weather.
After the movie the older boys stayed at Paul's and we brought home 2 of Uncle Jayson's girls. Campbell and Avery have younger siblings, so I think they got more how kids this age work than mine did. Campbell and Dylan were best friends right off. Hayden loved that she got to sleep downstairs with the big girls and be with them.
Fun at Paul's house.
The next morning the older boys went with Paul to clean the church.
It was a busy week and while the kids maybe didn't fully get how a 3 year old and 18 month old are, they are really good kids, which is in thanks to good parents. Give them a few months and we'll be ready for round 2.
