Since the kids were born we have found ourselves constantly letting people down. We have always tried to put the health and well-being of our kids FIRST. It is very hard sometimes because it feels like we are letting everyone around us down as a result. I have NO regrets about the decisions we have made reguarding our family. They have rarely been easy ones but in the end I have always felt we have made the right choices for us.
In the beginning it was limiting who would see the kids and making sure everyone washed their hands. You wouldn't think this would even be a choice. I mean bringing 4 premature babies home from the hospital we were terrified and followed EVERY single piece of advice that our doctors and nurses had passed on to us. As a result our kids are VERY healthy and happy.
Besides the health issues, there are many other things that would not even be considered a problem if it were not for the fact that we have 4 kids the same age.
For example.
If one or more of our kids is having a bad day we usually cancel any planned activity. For our own sanity. It is NEVER a good thing to venture out with a cranky kid of 4.
If someone is ill we still STAY AWAY. It is very difficult to take care of 4 sick kiddos at one time. Especially when almost every illness we have dealt with ends up with excessive vomitting. I am a puker and I guess I passed that on to my kids.
We have to plan any time in the car because they all get car sick, again from me.
All four of our kids are picky eaters. They will only drink milk and their favorite meal is grilled chicken, sweet potatoe fries and applesauce. They do not like hamburgers or anything fried. So that pretty much cuts out fast food for us. They do like Chic-fil-et and Taco Bell. :o)
Getting sleep is VERY important. I take care of the kids solo while Daddy works 55 hours a week. There is no one to call if I am tired or not feeling well. I take great pains to try to keep myself rested and healthy! Plus it makes me a better mom and a better wife.
Naptimes and bedtimes must ALWAYS be considered. There is a huge difference in dealing with one child that did not get a nap as opposed to 4. It is practically impossible to console them and it makes for a very stressful afternoon for mommy and daddy. Our kids do not like to sleep unless they are in their own beds. They have always slept in their bed at night and nap and that is where they want to be. Who can blame them I LOVE MY BED it is warm and cozy and MINE!
We also have to over prepare for EVERY outing. Extra clothes extra sippy cups tons of snacks our giant stroller must ALWAYS be in tow. Literally!!!! Haha. And of course Mommy's camera. I try to never leave home without it.
It is very important to us to try to give our children many different experiences. We have tried from the beginning not to be overwhelmed by the amount of preparation and consideration that goes into every little adventure we have. Sometimes they turn out well and sometimes we end up going home early. But we still try.
My only wish is to give our children the best childhood we can possibly offer. To teach them about God's Grace Love and Compassion. We wanted to be parents for so many years and I feel like God gave us not 1 but 4 awsome beautiful intelligent kids to share our lives with and I will do everything in my power by honoring Him everyday and in every decision we make.
Good for you! We have been giving abundant blessings, but along with the gift come some really difficult decision. Or, more accurately, the decision aren't hard to make, but enforce. I find that people are quick to say, "It's fine to let them stay up late and eat junk." But nobody wants to come over the next day and help handle four tired, cranky kids. Anything involving your children's health is a non-negotiable. Things that affect your daily life and routine are your decision alone. You have to deal with the consequences. I have had to stand up to some family and friends who think I am too uptight with the kids, but they don't deal with the aftermath- I do.
ReplyDeleteSorry to rant on your blog, but I completely understand where you are coming from. God gave you these little blessings because he knew you had the judgement to raise them well!
I feel the same way! I only have 2 babies though. We are very scheduled and if the activity does not match up with our nap times then we can't make it. It's taking a while for family to understand. Maybe one day they will. It's getting old hearing, "we never had a schedule". ugh! There is a reason I do what I do! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this!! Having quads has really shown me that you cannot judge the decisions that other people make regarding their family ... whether the kids are gated, all sleep together or apart, go out during RSV season, etc. You gotta do what's best for you and the kids ... it's all about survival! :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Indiana, by the way. We're a few hours away, but if you're ever in the Indy area, we've got a few quad moms here who I'm sure would love to meet you!
Keep up with me, Ted, and our Fab Four at http://four-by-two.blogspot.com.
Very well said!! Great post
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! People don't understand how having quads is so much different and the reason we do certain things is because it is what works best for us and most importantly, our kiddos! People can be quick to judge which greatly frustrates me! They just don't understand! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I often feel the same way, and you just put all my thoughts into the words that I can't always find.
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