Life with two kids is simply busier. If you wait for several years, as we did, between progeny, you quickly forget just how long changing diapers, unfolding strollers, and feeding a manic ball of energy that refuses to open his mouth unless you make airplane noises takes.
During the week, there's little "cushion" when it comes to time, at least for the hours between 6:30am and 9:00pm. The kids and Mama have to leave by 7:30am for everyone to get to school and work on time, and dinner has to be on the table no later than 7:00pm for all of us to eat together before bath time.
So far, we've made it work (well, we've survived). As somewhat of a surprise to us both, Mimi has stepped up to help make this happen.
In the morning, Mimi helps out by being the last to wake up. This lets us feed Kuri, get him dressed, and get his clothes and milk ready for daycare. On some morning Mimi wake up and dress herself and Kuri looks on, usually with one of Mimi's stuffed animals in his mouth. By 7:30, it's time to put the kids in the car.
When Mama and the kids get home in the evening, Papa usually has dinner mostly prepared. Unpredictable traffic has taught him not to finish until the family walks through the door. In order for Mama to get changed following a long day at work, and for Papa to finish dinner, the kids play in the family room. Kuri is partial to a box these days. He seems to be partial to Amazon boxes, of which we have a nearly endless supply.
Mimi likes to help out her little brother as her parents are running around getting everything ready for the evening. Here she is helping Kuri with his stacking cups.
It's rather amazing. With us she is the embodiment of impatience, but with Chris, she's a teacher. She really loves showing him how things work.
After dinner, it's time for Kuri's bath (still done with a baby bath in the kitchen sink). Mimi usually uses this for a little "me" time and heads to her table to paint, draw, or study.
Once Kuri goes to bed, there's usually about 30 minutes to an hour for Mimi to hang out with Mama and Papa. The other day she decided that she was on call, just like Mama. She took a ton of calls that evening. I was very proud of her. She only broke down once because she was so busy. "I can't help you right now. This whole day has been super busy!" Ok, Mimi. Finish up that consult. It's time for your bath.
When we moved into our new home we were a little uncertain if we'd ever really use the jetted soaking tub in the middle bath. Mama and Papa will use it occasionally for soaking, but Mimi, she adores it. After every bath with hit the jets and the slightly soapy water is transformed into a bubble wonderland.
The other day Papa built Mimi a Capsela jet boat to race through the waters. No bubbles for this one.
Weekends, at least when Sumie isn't on call, are a bit more relaxing. Mimi loves to help Mama bake. Here she is getting ready to prepare a sponge cake.
This year's "Global Warming California Fall" has meant it's still more than hot enough to go swimming. Christopher didn't take to the wading pool much at first (he doesn't like the water to be too deep), but before long, he was having a blast.
Perhaps he came to like it because his big sister was so, um, enthusiastic about splashing.
There's often time to bang out a tune on the piano as well.
It's very heartwarming to see my kids playing the keyboard of the piano my grandfather restored for my father - the same keyboard I learned to play when I was their age. That reminds me. I still need to have it tuned.
And of course, no weekend would be complete without some time that defies explanation. Even Kuri has no idea what is going on in Mimi's head. All he knows is that the chair isn't spinning anymore!
Although life with these two is assuredly busy, it's a good kind of busy. I always wondered if I'd miss my free time once kids came along. Occasionally, of course, I do miss having a quiet afternoon or a free morning, but living with these two more than makes up for that. Who knew I'd rather spin a one year old around in a living room chair than do just about anything else.
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