This place in time

It's nice to have babies, but it's nicer still to have older kids.

I don't have to read their face or gestures to guess what they want or what they're thinking. They can tell me. Brutally, frankly, truthfully, and sometimes even when I don't want to hear it!

I don't have to plan ahead for meals when we are going out. Some water and fruit does the trick. Sometimes I forget and it's ok.

They know my phone number so they can call me if they need to.

They get their own water and plates to the table, serve themselves, clear up, brush their own teeth, bathe themselves. None of this is perfect and free of spills but they are getting there.

We can go out carrying just a handbag, some napkins and a hand sanitizer.

They stay quiet when I need them to and they can entertain themselves.

I don't need to break my head over holiday itineraries any more because their needs are pretty much the same as mine.

They can tell me all about their day. It's invariably interesting and entertaining!

They mimic me and make fun of me and my quirks, and I love that.

They are my biggest critics but they forgive me every time. They are my biggest fans and I savour that because I know it might not last for much longer.

We went out with friends the other day. They have an infant and it was sad to see them take turns to eat while the other rocked the baby. S and I heaved a sigh of relief - those days are long gone for us!

Though last week I held an infant in my arms and it was something else. 

But yessir, its nice to have older kids :)