Embracing Chaos

Dear Mackenzie,

Today, I heard the best summary of life with lots of kids:

"But here's my takeaway. Having three kids [or four!] is chaos, but chaos doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. Chaos is our older son trying to teach his little brother how to walk. Chaos is my daughter reading the baby a book even though she doesn't know to to read. It is a fridge full of sloppy finger paintings and a pile of tiny shoes by the door that are remnants of an adventure had. Chaos is chasing them around the house, getting them to scream at the top of their lungs, just so that they'll fall asleep. Only to then the next day wake up with them all in your bed because they just want to be close to you. These next few years are going to be hard, but they're also going to be worth it. As parents, we're going to guide our kids through life. But as siblings, our kids will get to experience life together. Even after Heidi and I are long gone, our kids will always have each other."

Yes to all of these things!! I never thought I'd have four kids. I never even imagined having so many. When we already had GuhGaw, JieJie and Second GuhGaw, it seemed crazy to want another kid. But I wanted to give my kids a strong support network and that's why Daddy and I went for baby #4--and I am so beyond happy and grateful that we did. A life with four kids is definitely a life full of chaos but it is also a life so full of love and unbreakable bonds.

Love,

Mom