We are close to one year of being an ʻohana of six, so I think that says how it has been going within itself. haha I don’t know if it is because of this transition to four keiki, or if it is because our youngest two are only 13 months apart, or if it is because I am breastfeeding our younger two, or maybe we just haven’t gotten the hang of it yet, but it hasn’t been easy.
Just as before, when pēpē hou is born, it as if the older pē is grown up all-of-a-sudden. We are celebrating so many milestones all at once: our oldest is in papa mālaaʻo, our second is holding it down at pūnana leo without the guidance of her older sister who was there with her last year, and our son seems to be a big boy now that pēpē hou is here.
With so much going on, I am thankful to be home to care for my babies. Shortly after pēpē #4 was born, I remember telling my husband (jokingly), “how can I work? With four kids, how can I work? Based on their different school schedules, the amount that they get sick, how can I work?” I guess the jokes on us, but I’ll save that for another post. And staying home to care for our babies is definitely where I want to be, but it is definitely not easy or a “luxury.”
And this post would not be complete without dedicating a portion to the topic of breastfeeding. This is yet another new journey for us with breastfeeding two babies at one time–well, not simultaneously, but it is more like this: one breastfeeds while the other one cries, then they switch. Sometimes, when one breastfeeds, the other will nap or play nicely.
If I could describe what it is like having four kids, I think the expression of “herding cats” is pretty accurate. More and more I find myself doing things, then thinking to myself, “and this is life with four kids!” haha
Life with four kids is a bit extra…extra love, extra tired, extra messy house, extra laundry. Some days are harder than others, but filled with so much love.