They're Four

Gone are the days of tandem feedings, middle of the night bouncing, and carrying two carseats into places. Gone are the days of pacifiers, diaper changes and rocking at nap times. Gone are the days of the diaper bag, twin train, and burp cloth necessity. Gone are the days of their cribs and two high chairs along with the massive mess that always left. Gone are the days of pushing the stroller with one hand, as I pulled the wagon with the other around our neighborhood. Gone are the days of watching them crawl, teaching them to walk and training them to go in the potty. Gone is the day of Ayden’s 4:08 am wake up call, thank you Jesus.

Fading are the days of holding my hand out as they place their cheek in my palm. Fading are the days of them wanting to hold hands in their car seats, their chubby hands and feet toddling all around, being woken in the night and glorious nap times. Fading are the days of getting into everything; truly double the trouble, only their brothers loved to join in with them too. Fading are the days of squishy snuggles and needing to be carried everywhere or as they would say, “Hold you.”

Present are the days of playing “mom and dad,” of wanting to know where the other always is, of caring how the other feels (unless they are fighting, which the fighting might happen more than the caring). Present are the days of saying good morning to the cats, of chocolate milk as soon as they wake and having a song in their hearts. Present are the days of muddy hand prints on the walls, smudges on the windows and spills that happen as soon as I mop. Present are the days of lots and lots and lots of screaming, noise and ruckus. Present are the days of reading stories all on one couch and endless amounts of playing.

My twinner winners are four. Ayden and Elle are a huge catalyst in Brock and I’s continued sanctification. The reality of our days sent us clinging to Jesus deeper than we ever had before. They are so fun together and individually. I’m so thankful for them and what they bring to our family.

Ayden is just crazy, fun. There is truly no other way to describe him. He wakes up ready to go, whether on his own or woken up out of a dead sleep. He can hardly walk without a hop, skip or jump in his step. He has so, so much energy, with a smile and laugh to go with it. Often he hears, “Ayyyyddddeeeeennnnnn,” as he doesn’t know the limits of when to stop antagonizing, singing at the top of his lungs, running around screaming or getting up after every bite. Like all of my kids, Ayden feels deeply and the expressions on this kid’s face are the absolute best. Even in a situation he is being redirected, it can be hard to keep a straight face. He and Elle love music and he will often be singing to himself. Although not at 4:08 anymore, often he is still getting up with me as my alarm is going off in the morning. My early morning riser. He drinks his chocolate milk sitting with Brock or I, as we drink our coffee and read our bibles. It’s a time only with him, apart from special dates, and I know I’ll miss it when that ends. He is a totally different kid one on one. Still smily and lots of personality but way more chill and appreciative. He loves doing absolutely anything so long as it’s his time with you.

Elle is our youngest but acts like an oldest child often. You wouldn’t know it in public, but she is so very confident. Even her walk makes me smile at times, it has so much determination and attitude with it. Elle is very persistent and knows exactly what she wants. As I pray for all of my kids salvation, I pray the Lord will transform that confidence and determination for his glory; she will be a force for his kingdom! She is bossy and loves telling the boys what to do. She gathers their water bottles for them as we go to leave or will set the table. She starts helping with the dishes unasked, wants to put her laundry away or helps me fold towels in the salon. She loves being in the salon, whether it is to watch me when I am working or doing anybody’s haircuts that will let her. A personal favorite by all is when daddy agrees to get a haircut by Elle. All the boys end up going in on it too, which results in lots of giggles, clips in his hair and Elle yelling, “NO!!!” at the boys as they aren’t doing what she wants them to do to him. Elle is particular about what she wears, the only time I really have a say in what she wears in on Sunday and even then she sometimes has a different suggestion. One of her favorites for special dates, is when I bring her shopping cart and she can push it around Target. She is fierce and sweet, emotional and steady, stubborn and helpful. She is a rare beauty; my blue eyed, red head girl.

As we celebrated them being four on Saturday, a part of me is sad we’re out of the toddler phase, but I am so grateful to be in this next season of parenting and loving them. My raspy voiced twinners are different as different can be and I’m thankful they have so much individuality to themselves but also have a twin bond that goes much deeper than a sibling relationship. Happy Birthday Ayden and Elle, you two are special.