I constantly struggle with giving each one of my son’s enough time and attention. Having 4 boys so close in age, it’s not always easy. I’m used to… William wanting something at the same time Alexander wants something which is the same time Benjamin wants something… and – of course – my little Henry, too. It’s the way of the world in my house… my version of “normal.”

So it’s important for me to cherish the moments I get with one of my guy’s alone. It doesn’t happen too often, believe me… so I have to soak it up.

This morning William was getting dressed for school in his green outfit. He was laughing as I was telling him Alexander had to wear Ben’s pants to school because Alex didn’t have any green pants. Having me all to himself, William wanted to show me all of the Star Wars cards that he’s been collecting and the money in his piggy bank. We sat on his floor as he went through each card and then dumped all the money out to count. I literally sat there thinking, “When did you get to be 5-years old?” It’s like the years went in a super-zoom-fast-forward motion. I’m sitting there gazing at the baby photos of him on his wall, and then looking back down at this “little” man. Time does go by too fast.

After William finished going through all the cards and his money, I told him to head downstairs and eat breakfast with his brothers. I explained I still needed to shower and get dressed for the day… but that I’d be downstairs before breakfast was over! I promised!

William smiled at me with a “William smile” I know well.

Sensing something, I asked, “What are you smiling about?”

He said to me, “Oh, Mommy… you don’t need to shower, you just need to brush your teeth.”

Thanks, William. 🙂 To which I ran to the bathroom and brushed away! Oh… the innocence.