Four For a Day

Today, for the first time since the babies were born, we went out as a family of four.

It felt totally and completely normal. Barely five blocks from the house, it was almost like the babies were a dream.

We went to see a play, "Angelina Ballerina". Leo and Ellie loved it (they're experienced theatergoers).

When the play ended we purchased the requisite souvenirs ("Angelina" ears and wand) that cost more than the tickets (because you only live once).

Then it was off to a party. Again, just the four of us.

Later, Erin would describe me as "sitting alone at a table eating and drinking (wine)." It's totally true and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I enjoyed myself.

Ellie played four square with a couple of new found friends. Leo stayed with Erin and me and ate his weight in hot dogs and grapes and chatted up the ladies. He was having actual conversations and it was wonderful to watch.

There was just a lightness about the day, even when we couldn't find parking before the play and drove around in circles with the clock on the dashboard ticking down (there are few things in life I hate more than being late).

I don't think I realize how much work the babies are until I'm away from them (which is basically never). And I forget sometimes how easy "big" kids (like Leo and Ellie) are. But someday (too soon, I know) these babies will be big kids too. And the not so light days will feel like far away dreams. And there will be four little people instead of two, sitting in a darkened theater whispering "Is it over?"

Lucy modeling the Angelina ears.

Dusk arrived and an exquisite fall day came to an end and it was time to return home to the babysitter and the babies. When we walked in the door, the babysitter was holding Lucy and Harry was jiggling away in his bouncy chair. Both babies turned to look at us and smiled as if to say "It's you guys! We know you!" Leo and Ellie showered the babies with hugs and kisses and squeezes as they are apt to do when apart from them for more than three minutes. Ellie tried the ears and wand on her little sister and squeeled "She's holding the wand!" (see above and below).

Our babysitter described the babies as "so much fun." She said it twice so it must have been true.

Mouse ears AND wand.

Four for a day was fun. But six is more like it.