The Fourth Time Around the Block

As you can see in this picture, Jake is playing with a marble run.

In a case you didn't get that, I said MARBLE.

I let my just over two year old play with marbles!

What is wrong with me?

When Blake (and even Noah) was two, we only had age-appropriate toys. We had outlet covers, cabinet doors were child-proof and we didn't have itty-bitty Legos, marbles, Lite-brite pegs and such around our home.

Fast forward eight years and I have a 10, 8 and 5 year old complete with all their toys and paraphernalia around our home. We try to keep a lot of the older boys' things in their rooms, but Jake is quick and super-mobile.  He can slide down our stairs in ten seconds flat.  He can be in his brothers' rooms and on a top bunk before we know he is gone. 

In response to this fourth child, I have learned so many things. 

I have learned to relax a bit and not be so stressed about every little move they make.

I have learned that some things require caution and some other things require me to just let my kids be kids, to play and run and climb trees and splash in puddles. 

Honestly, I think they (and Mommy) are better off for it!