Thankful

OK, it is now past Thanksgiving and I have to laugh at what Adam and I are both truly thankful for this year.....

Now, don't get me wrong, we are extremely thankful for this great life we live, the beautiful homes we've lived in, the places we've seen, the wonderful friends we've met, our supportive families; the list could go on and on.  However as we wondered through Lego Land this past weekend here's what it seems we are most thankful for: no longer having a baby or toddler.

As we walked up to Lego Land the first thing Adam said was how glad he was that we didn't have a stroller this time.  Boy, was he right.  No stroller to strap an R in and keep them there as long as possible b/c when  they get out, they don't want to get back in.

No figuring out who is going to stay with a short R (and keep them busy) while the other rides a ride with the other Rs.

No diapers.  Need I say more?

No diaper bags with extra clothes, wipes, butt paste, diapers, food, toys, binks, wallets, etc.  Just a purse or small backpack for this fam.

No dragging a pack n play into a hotel.  No sleepless nights trying to get a baby to sleep in a new place.

No entertaining babies in car seats on a long drive.  Bag of snacks, drinks, dvds and the kids self packed backpacks of books and toys and we are golden.

No throwing fits while waiting in line.  We were waiting for a Duplo train ride and this little boy in front of us was screaming.  He was done.  Then he was so close, he could see the train being loaded with passengers and then it left.  Without him. Holy meltdown.

No baby food or thinking about what food you can buy that a baby can eat. No trying to feed said baby in a lap, stroller, or dirty restaurant high chair.  No having to feed baby and yourself!!

Oh!  Russell is old enough to save tables/benches (and keep a sibling or two with him!!!  Bonus!!) while we go get food.

No having to keep your eye on a walking toddler every second - our kids don't wander away because that piece of fluff on the other side of the walkway is irresistible.   They keep up, point out stuff without having to walk to it.

Self sufficiency!!  At the breakfast buffet at our hotel, for the most part, the kids don't need a lot of help.  Russ taught an adult how to use the Belgian waffle maker.  Awesome (sing song voice).

And I think that is what it boils down to.  The kids are pretty self sufficient these days and it is GREAT!  Yes, Adam and I do occasionally miss those times with our babies, but we can remember the really fun and sweet times, laugh now about the times that sucked and enjoy the phase we are in now.

And as a side note... still love me some baby time with other friends' babes, but I am happy to get my fix and  give them back!!!