Starting this blog

I have four children. Since reaching that number in mid 1995, I have been counting. Sometimes conciously, but more often, subconcioulsy, 1,2,3,4. 1,2,3,4. 1,2-2-2 then my brain would sparkle and shout to me "Where is (are) the (missing child(ren) )?"

I have made everything in mutiples of four for just over thirteen years. cookies, cupcakes,servings of broccoli. Any extras were saved for Daddy or divided into fourths.

Finding everyday items, sippy cups, toothbrushes, pencil sharpeners, in four different colors is tough. Even tougher when three of the four are boys and do not want a purple or pink one. My daughter's personal care items are all pink; not by some need to be dainty, but by default.

The dynamics of my counting is going to change soon. I no longer have children. I have four teenagers. There is a difference. My children were round, giggley, and followed me as if I were a goddess. My teens are angular, grouchy, and I can only get them to follow me if I have food or phones. There must have been some sort of transition. Surely, there was, but I cannot remember it. I am sure that I woke up one morning last summer to these four strangers in my house. The next transition will not be so hard to miss. This fall my daughter leaves for college. 1,2,3 -3 -3 oh, yeah, the girl is at school.