Slowing down, taking long walks

Lately things have been a little crazy around here.  I'm not really sure how or when it started happening but we've hit that stage when Zoey and Lyla want to be held. all. the. time.  They don't really have separation anxiety in the traditional sense... they don't mind being held by other people at all.  I can take them to the gym and leave them in the nursery, no problem.  They love babysitters and never cry when I leave.  They'll even go to complete strangers who stop me in the parking lot and say, "Oh, honey, do you need help carrying those babies?" as I attempt to carry them both into the grocery store while holding the other two's hands.  And yes, I have handed a baby over to a stranger.  Nice old ladies, most of them.  Anyways, the problem is just that they want to be held by someone, anyone.  And when it's just me at home, that's a serious issue.  You can hold one baby on your hip while stirring a pot of soup, or loading the dishwasher, or brushing your teeth, or even typing an email.  But you can't hold two!  The unlucky one just stands at my feet and cries her little eyes out with a look that says, "I didn't ask to be a twin!"  It's heartbreaking.  And it makes for a very LOUD house.  Especially when you're doing something that requires 2 hands so you really can't hold either one, and you add in the other two kids who are fighting over a toy or crying for some attention themselves!

So sometimes we just need to get OUT!  The other day I loaded everyone up in the stroller (Chase was at school) and we went for a long, long walk.  I have to admit, when I first started out I passed by a few women who were out running by themselves and I felt insanely jealous.  I thought, "It's 11 o'clock and I bet they don't still have breakfast dishes all over the counter.  And after they go home to take a shower, they are probably going to go to Target and maybe meet a friend for lunch!"  But then that small voice inside of me reminded me, maybe they are looking at YOU and envying all of those sweet little babies in your stroller and missing your full, crazy days.  So I took a deep breath and relaxed, and started to remember some of the things I used to do when it was just Chase and I out for a walk.  Back when it wasn't an escape... it was a privilege!  I pointed out the clouds to Siena, Zoey, and Lyla. And the birds, and the water running under the bridge.  We stopped and picked flowers.  And we stopped to see the ducks (who were very happy to see us too)!  And then we ended up at the playground and I put them all on a swing.  I decided that for once I wasn't going to tell them when it was time to go.  I just let them swing and swing and swing.  Their smiles and giggles melted my heart.

It was one of those moments you never want to end!