A&W - 4 Years | Minneapolis Child Photographer

It is the eve of my twin boys' four year birthday and my head is swimming with memories, the joys and frustrations of the past four years. When my boys were babies, I remember seeing older kids and not being able to imagine them ever being that big. Of course, I still do this, but all of a sudden I find myself with kids tall enough to reach most of what they need, strong enough to climb just about anything, old enough to put their ideas/thoughts into words, and capable enough to do an ever-growing list of things without my assistance.

In the thick of parenting young children, I have often longed for short breaks and looked forward to times when I don't have to do "everything" for them. I dream of days when they can find and put on all their own clothes, read a book to themselves, or make their own lunch. But tonight, as I look back to the memories of the past four years and realize just how quickly the time has passed, I am thankful for what I still CAN do for them.  I am thankful that they still want their mommy's help, that they aren't embarrassed to be affectionate, and that I can "make it all better" with a magic kiss, a ruffle of their hair, or a tickle on their belly. Though I know the frustrations of early childhood will remain ever-present, I will do my best to cherish this precious short time I have with them while they are still little boys.

Happy Birthday Arthur and Wesley!