We are always being told to do things to mark the time by those people whose children are older than ours, usually with statements that begin with “Before you know it…” And it’s always treated with a lighthearted chuckle and a response from us that most likely contains the phrase “I know,” or “I can’t imagine.”
The thing is, not to sound cheeky, but they are more right than I thought. This year is rapidly drawing to a close, and the multitude of changes that we’ve gone through this year alone humbles us. It’s also given us newfound admiration for those people who, in this day and age, have large families. Often we get through days with the two (OK, three with Tanner) of them and look at each other and ask how we made it. I can only imagine adding three or four more into the mix. Pure chaos.
What we have found out this year is that our kids have definite personalities, and they don’t resemble ours. Parker is hilarious, and busy, which we can’t understand because the two of us are so laid back and mellow.
He is full on and ready to go at all times. It’s probably just a function of the age and the wonder he approaches each day with; it sure is inspiring. Audrey is coy and shy, and wants nothing to do with toys that are age appropriate. She’d rather pull appliance cords, play Rescue Heroes, or try to eat Matchbox cars, all rather advanced activities for her age, I am sure. Check the developmental charts.
