My Benefits Package...

Our weekday morning before school hustle and bustle has shifted to include two more children to the mix. Their Mother was offered a temporary teaching position which left our little friends needing a table on which to eat their breakfast, and some friendly faces to share it with. Minimal missteps have led us to tweaking our routine slightly (it really does require a lot more time to get four, rather than two children herded out the door), but overall the addition has been seamless, and has taught us all a lesson in flexibility. When Greta was a baby, a wise veteran Mom told me that if you can treat your first child as if they are your fourth, everyone benefits. I watch as the children help each other out without prompting, and feel deeply grateful for the lessons in letting go. The girls feel empowered when they brush and braid each others hair, and I have to let go of the urge to redo it, because there just isn't enough time to. But I think those loose lopsided braids, worn by proud and competent young ladies are examples of the benefits.