What is it like parenting teenagers and toddlers at the same time? Have you ever run through a circus side show? We love sitting and watching movies with our teenagers, laughing, telling jokes, eating popcorn and ice cream, sitting on the bed until 1 am talking.....but then 6am rolls around and the 2 yr old comes banging into the bedroom, "MOMMY, EAT, EAT, EAT". The 1 yr old is crying in her crib ready to be changed and fed. I drag myself out of bed and wonder how fast I can inhale a cup of coffee. I lay on the sofa and let the 1 yr. old crawl over me smiling, giggling, playing tickle and peek-a-boo. The 2 yr. old half babbling half talking changes her baby doll on the floor and the teenagers?......sleeping :)
Our teenage daughters have been trained well and we have great relationships. They are so much fun. They can be so annoying. They can have wonderful animated deep conversations about life, and in the same breath come downstairs with heavy purple glitter eye shadow. Their unanticipated hugs are precious, their PMS moods make Greta Garbo look like a comedian. They help cook, clean, organize, discipline, change diapers, load kids in and out of cars. They are invaluable. They are my right hand and left hand. Their schedules can be a killer. DRAMA is briefer but more intense. Makeup, high heels, dresses, become more sensitive subjects and have to be dealt with like the handling of an atomic bomb. VERY SENSITIVELY. More well handled responsibilities equals more freedoms. Battles are carefully chosen. They are self sacrificing, humble, passionate about doing right. They argue, push my buttons, and do immature things. It is the pendulum of life......wisdom swinging to foolishness.
The toddlers are typical. They are needy. They require lots of care and attention. They need to be changed and watered and fed.....constantly. You would think they were dying of starvation in the early mornings with their impatience to get food and to eat the food as fast as possible. Recently, the 2 yr old came out of her room from a nap covered in finger nail polish (complete face and body paint extraordinaire). She had taken her diaper off spreading poop all over the bed and floor. Then she left a big puddle of pee by the door.....all while we worked on a project 3 FEET FROM THE ROOM! Did we hear anything....no, not a SOUND! (And I think I have fairly keen ears after 8 kids). At bedtime, I rock the baby to sleep kissing her fingers and holding her little toes. She smells of lavender and sweetness.
She is wrapped in a towel being held by her big 16 yr. old sister. Words of love flow over the 1 yr old who is enchantingly cooing back. Big sister throws her head back smiling and laughing. 5 yr old with the big brown serious eyes snuggles up close to 14 yr. old big sister, as they snuggle deeper together...... "Tell me a story.....". Older sisters cuddling up with little sisters at night. Big and little sisters laughing and rolling around together on the trampoline. A small head lying on a big shoulder crying and being comforted. Big sister tying a miniature apron on little sister as she "helps" in the kitchen. Little hands clasped in bigger hands. Both still soft and sweet. Deep sisterly bonds and self sacrificing love is the reflection of this beautiful teenager and toddler together-life.
