15 Things I've Learned From My Triplets In Their First 5 Years
My trio turns five tomorrow, and I’d say “I can’t believe it,” but isn’t that what everyone says? And what, exactly, is so hard to believe about time passing? It’s been doing it, for me at least, for 42 years. So instead of saying, I can’t believe they’re about to turn five, I guess I’ll say this:
I can’t believe how much those guys have changed me. It’s funny. I’m supposed to be the one teaching them, right? But it’s often the other way around. That’s why I’ve changed so much, in fact. Because they’ve taught me so much in their first five years. Here are 15 such things I’ve learned since September 29, 2007.
Life is fragile
Which is precisely why it’s so precious.
Roles change
The baby becomes the big sister in the blink of an eye. And what was once inconceivable suddenly makes perfect sense.
Life is an art
So make sure to document your masterpiece.
Sometimes it's best to keep on movin'.
When you have three at once, it’s hard to get everyone on the same page. Which is why all you can do is make a plan and stick to it. It all works out better that way.
It's okay to love more than one girl
I’m lucky. I’d learned that before I was even married because not only did I fall in love with the woman who went on to become my wife, I also fell in love with the girl who went on to become my stepdaughter. All Kirby did was provide a charming reminder that it is, indeed, okay to love more than one girl.
It's nice to have someone to share special occasions with
You can barely see Sam and his mama ahead of Jack and Kirby on their first day of school. They take great comfort in being able to lean on each other on such red-letter days. And that, in turn, comforts us.
The unpredictable rides are the best ones of all
I was always a control freak. But having triplets throws that little deal right out the door. And I’m so glad it did.
Live life with wonder
The triplets often have me awestruck. Particularly when they’re awestruck.
It's no fairy tale
But that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in princesses. I do. They’re real.
It's important to make a splash
Otherwise, how will anyone know you’re around?
Not all gangs are menacing
This one’s downright charming.
Never underestimate the power of teamwork
Our children operate best when keeping this in mind. As do their parents.
Kids connect with nature
We knew this from Alli, but seeing this in triplicate has really driven the message home. Exactly why we try to spend a lot of quality family time outdoors.
Lead with love
Any message you deliver — even the tough ones — should be wrapped in love. They’re more easily taken to heart that way.
Family is everything
Our family didn’t start with the triplets. And as you can see from little Grand Finale there, it didn’t end with them, either. They’re our middle children, perfectly splitting the difference between our oldest and our youngest. An integral part of the most important thing in my life. Happy birthday, guys! I love you!
Read more from John Cave Osborne on his personal blog which he calls (get this) JohnCaveOsborne.com or feel free to stalk him on Facebook and or Twitter.
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