A Little Perspective And The Right Attitude

In the short 5 1/2 months that I have been a parent to twins (and four kids), I've learned a lot. And a lot about myself. Here are a few of the valuable lessons I've learned (so far).

1. I can multi-task like never before. Who knew it was possible to feed two babies simultaneously while cooking dinner and taking a phone call?

2. I learned that you can love a baby too much (when you're four years old). Thankfully the babies are tolerant and resilient... and won't remember their brother's displays of "affection" (or, "attention-seeking behavior").

3. I have learned to be both more patient and less tolerant. At the same time.

4. I've learned to pick my battles. Every day is an exercise in letting go of a lot of the little things in exchange for more sanity, and laughing at situations when I may otherwise to want to scream. This is a HUGE accomplishment for a self-professed Type A-Perfectionist-Control Freak. And now you don't have to ask when you see my child come to school with his clothes on inside out or backwards... at least he's dressed!

5. Most of all, I've learned to enjoy it all. Sure, it's exhausting (and chaotic), but it won't be long before the babies would rather explore than be held and will begin to talk (and talk back). So I'll happily take the 2 am feedings and being spit-up on with those sweet, innocent baby smiles and precious little fingers wrapped around mine.

A lot of people make the comment "I don't know how you do it". Some days I'm not sure I know either, except that a little perspective and the right attitude go a long, long way. That, and A LOT of caffeine.