So I Don't Forget

While in the shower this morning I was thinking about some of the things I've observed/learned since the boys moved in on Saturday. I wanted to write some of it down so that I don't forget and thought I'd share it with you at the same time.

1. Boys eat - A LOT! I knew this, but watching it in action with my own cooking is quite something.
2. Children who have experienced hunger at some point in their life will thank you for ANYTHING you put on their plate-often times before they even eat it, then again while eating it, and then again at the end. Even if it's been years since they went hungry.
3. 17 year old boys will still laugh at things you do to make 9 year old boys laugh, but they don't want to admit that they also think it's funny.
4. Boys think baby monitors are really cool, but are bummed out that you can't make noise back in them the opposite direction like you can a walkie talkie.
5. Having two washers and dryers is a life saver!
6. Sitting down to eat dinner together can be one of the most fun parts of the day.
7. These children in my house have an instinct ability to be safe and gentle around our baby. They also make sure I know EVERY time Carter cries. :)
8. When the dishwasher is out, and you are cooking for 5 the dishes quickly take over the kitchen in a way that can be very scary. ;) This leads to the feeling of spending ALL day in the kitchen washing dishes.
9. 11 year old boys sometimes find nothing more fun than going to help out the handy man on campus.
10. Rori LOVES have little boys to play catch with and to cuddle up with on the couch at night.
11. Sometimes it's okay to have a good cry as I adjust to our new life. I've had a few of these (usually while sitting quietly nursing Carter), but am realizing that it really helps me release the emotional and physical exhaustion of this transition. Afterwards, I can come back out to the rest of the family, focus on the kids, and know that tomorrow is another day one step closer to a good routine.

And, this is just the beginning!