Kids (043)

It’s exhausting being around children. I am not used to the energy it requires to maintain their lives. Mike has five nieces and nephews, and a sixth on the way in a few months. The oldest and current youngest are boys, the rest—including the one still brewing—are girls. All five emit that typical cisgendered energy expected of their ages. The youngest boy is very much into destruction, throwing items in the toilet, pulling stuff off tables, tossing himself onto the floor when he doesn’t get his way. It’s ridiculously cute to watch his antics as a non-responsible party. 

We enjoyed Easter brunch with Mike’s family today, and everyone was there, including the five kids. They are all incredibly sweet and very smart, with their distinct personalities shining brightly. They searched for plastic eggs filled with candy knowing that one of them had a $10 bill inside! The three who knew what that meant—freedom to purchase whatever they want—were eager to find that egg. Victory went to the middle girl, her blond curls bouncing with delight. I enjoy being around these kids more every time, but I still required an hour nap when we returned home. I really don’t know how parents do it.