A little commentary on having multiple kids

So this week I have been lucky enough to be able to spend a lot of extra daddy time with the kids. Kira has been getting ready for a craft show that was taking place today. She has been working so hard to get it all put together and this last week was pretty intense.

So lucky for me this brought about the excuse to do something that I really enjoy doing. Many evenings went about like this. I walk through the door, "Honey I'm home!" "So how did your day go?" "Did you get done what you needed too?" "OK, no problem I'm going to take the kids and go out so you have some time to get things done without the kids underfoot." The response to this has been great and included things like, "Thank you honey you are sooooo amazing!" and "You are so wonderful thank you soooooo much!"

Now I probably should point out that while yes, I am an amazing husband ;) my reasoning for doing this has been totally self serving. As my wife tells me how great I am, I'm putting the shoes on the kids and thinking to myself "Pizza buffet here we come! Yea baby!" (a big thank you to CiCi's pizza for making wonderful evenings affordable)

In addition to the pizza though is another factor, I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my kids and going out alone with three young kids is in no way intimidating to me. (I should note to any dads who are reading this and about to be inspired to journey into the realm of solitary adventures with multiple kids that going to the restroom before hand is essential. Trying to use the restroom with three kids 5 and under tagging along is a difficult task at best and is a lengthy comical commentary better reserved for another time.)

There is something about being with the kids without having mom around that brings a level of experience and perspective otherwise missed out on. The interaction with the kids is on a different level. All of their questions are directed at you. There is no "Honey can you field that one." when your son asks why there are people ringing bells and asking for money at every single store you visit or when your daughter asks you why Heavenly Father painted that person a different color then her. It never ceases to amaze me how my understanding of who my kids are increases dramatically during these outings. I get to see from a closer perspective their actions, their likes and dislikes, how they interact with each other, what they are thinking. It never ceases to amaze me.

Another experience that stood out to me yesterday is the reaction of other people to multiple kids. There are some parts of the world (probably every part that is not in Utah or Idaho) where multiple kids are looked at as anomaly and for lack of a better word irresponsible. Kira has more stories about this then I do but I am no stranger to the odd looks and "Are these all yours?!?" statements that come from complete strangers.

Our evening was going really well. The kids had been listening well, there had been no major meltdowns, we had been having a lot of fun. The first reaction was at Wal-Mart in the holiday decor section. A guy could not hide his annoyance as Hunter accidentally stepped in his way blocking the aisle for a second. He continues to scowl even as Hunter looks and says excuse me and sorry (he is such a polite boy). A short time later as we were in line at JC Penney there was the typical "Don't you have your hands full. Your a brave guy now aren't you." And then to top off the evening was the Kohls employee who "Doesn't know how people can have more then one." and as she handed me the receipt she said "I'm sure glad their yours."

"So am I" I promptly say as I smile and walk away taking my three amazing and wonderful children with me. I was honestly surprised as the employee could not hide her surprise at my response. I guess it was probably because I didn't respond with the typical affirmation of "your right, what was I thinking, put a sign on me that says "this guy is crazy"" response. I thought to myself walking away and reflecting on the evening about how sad it is that this perception exists now where having more than one to two kids is an annoyance and too difficult. What a sad loss it is for those people who are not able to experience the joy that comes with every single wonderful addition to the family.

I'll honestly admit there is some level of nervousness about the arrival of our fourth boy in April and how that might change the logistics of these daddy and kid evenings together. However, I am up to the challenge. I have already started looking into some books that will help me out. I found a great one in a google search "How to go to the restroom when you've got four kids six and under tagging along." Should be a page turner.