For the most part, I am really enjoying the kids more and more as they get older.  It's more fun to do things together and they really crack me up.  But some of the things about their growing maturity can be trying.  Some days are tougher than others, and by that I mostly mean that it can be exhausting.  And by exhausting I mean that I imagine myself elsewhere, like living in a small and fashionable apartment in Minneapolis.  And by that I mean, seriously.

Right now, I have no personal space - physical, mental, or aural.  They are seriously loud.  I recommend that if you come visit you either bring ear plugs or check your hearing at the door.  As long as the kids are awake, you are constantly barraged to be held, play with them, answer questions, break up fights, or listen to songs.  Each one taken separately is very enjoyable.  But the constant demands - one on top of each other and usually overlapping - can be somewhat overwhelming.

I know this will pass and that eventually they will have other things to do and people with whom to spend their time.  Anyone who has gone through this stage with children is probably laughing, thinking "Oh yes, I remember that stage, there is more to come."  Anyone who is in this stage probably wants an apartment in my imaginary building.  Anyone with younger kids is probably thinking "Oh, my kids will never do that."  And anyone who has yet to have kids are probably sitting in an apartment just like the one I imagine, sipping wine, and thinking "Oh, she must be exaggerating."  For now, I just have to be patient and enjoy each thing as it comes.  And maybe install one of those number things they have in bakeries and delis so we can play a new game called "Wait Your Turn".

Here's a video of an unusual moment this weekend - a moment where only two things were happening at once.  Sophie was trying really hard to be patient while I cleaned up the kitchen, singing to me to pass the time: