whirlwind of 4

So much seems to be happening in my household. With 4 little ones running around someone is always needing something or needing to go somewhere. There is barely enough time to shower and brush my teeth on a daily basis.

Currently, the girls are extra busy with soccer and school. Reading has become much easier for Ireland while Erin continues to excel. Soccer is a hit or miss as far as how excited the girls are to play.

Ireland seems to have a natural talent for it but too often seems to be unprepared for the physical contact. Granted I suppose she does have some reason to complain as with each practice she seems to take a ball from midfield to the abdomen. That combined with a boy who seems to think that pushing and shoving girls to the ground is fun I can see how some days she would rather cry than deal.

Erin tries with soccer but would much rather be elsewhere. She wants to try tennis but I think we might have to wait a while on that one. I'm caught between being the supportive mom who lets them explore and keeping my sanity through simplifying the schedule as much as possible.

Michael continues to make us all smile while pulling at our heartstrings. He is still adjusting to daycare as drop offs in the morning are full of tears and pleas. Usually I leave him crying as I begin to cry myself. I know he has fun once I've left but leaving him is so difficult.

And Conor....oh Conor. My baby, what am I going to do with you? The moment he was placed in my arms he seemed to already know what he wanted. He seems the be the happiest and most well adjusted of us all. He also seems to be on a mission to prove he isn't just the "baby".

Tomorrow he will be a mere 6 months old and already he is crawling, sitting up, and attempting to pull himself up. I so wanted him to stay small.

Knowing he would be my last I wanted to bottle as much "baby" time as I could. Soak it in and make memories that would help me make it through the coming years.

Once again I'm reminded that my children are only mine for a short while and have their own lives to live. Time will not slow just because I desire more baby moments or sanity. I have a job to do, and raise these kids I shall do...but I can't guarantee I won't have lots of fun along the way.