Fourth Children

Kara and I have heard it said by various people that having a fourth child in the home is not much more work than having three. You're already doing all the mothering chores for three and one more doesn't increase the load by one third.

In our humble opinion, that's just crazy talk. Babies--no matter if they are first, fourth, or tenth in birth order--want lots of attention. They want it NOW. They want it undivided--no sharing with siblings.

Of course, it is much easier to have a single fourth child than it was to have twin second and third children. Lincoln requires a lot less time and attention than twin babies. Nonetheless, the increased workload is considerable. Some afternoons Kara and I look at (or review in our head!) our to do lists and marvel how little we've accomplished on them. Once again.

It's not that we've had a wasted day. We've done plenty. We've kept busy helping and feeding and playing with the children. Taking them to ballet or gymnastics or the zoo or the library or to visit friends. Or friends come to visit. Helping them do a 100 or 300 piece puzzle. Writing out Halloween party invitations. Reading to them or having Bentley read to us. Putting them in time out.

And so pass our days. Quickly. Crazily. With many joyful moments.