The Three Littles...
Corbin was our rainbow, he was a baby we were thrilled to bring into the world after our loss, and we thought he was the end of a chapter for us. I have Instagram posts were I said things like “…we are relishing in all of Corbin’s firsts, because we know they will be our lasts.” Little did we know, there was a better story already written for us, one that we couldn’t have even dreamed up.
Fifteen months. That is what separates Corbin from the twins. Fifteen months. A little boy at fifteen months can say a few words, somewhat navigate the stairs in the house, and has big emotions. Pretty much fifteen months with any child can be labeled as “the danger zone.” While we were navigating Corbin’s danger zone we also brought a set of twins into our home and with that created The Three Littles.
In our world, we went from two to five. With that transition we also had to reacquaint ourselves with the baby phase of parenting because when Corbin arrived Parker was six and Weston was four and it’s funny how quickly you forget what it’s like to navigate the rocky waters of infancy. Then without much time to find comfort and confidence we were blessed with a set of twins and that in itself is its own journey and truly requires its own handbook.
The first year was challenging, parenting three babies age one and under can often feel circus-like, and then add in the two older guys, I think I was in a complete fog through it all. In order to muster through, it required energy, confidence, and a village of support. We definitely lacked energy and confidence and so it was our village that we leaned on and we are so very thankful for everyone who played a role - dropping off meals, donating diapers, washing dishes, taking the older guys on adventures, filling in for when we faltered at our jobs - so many people stepped up in different ways and held our hands as we navigated the beginning stage with The Three Littles.
Once we found our footing, learned when we truly needed help and when we could totally tackle parenting on our own, when we figured out to let things go that seemed so important before, we started living again and saw the light The Three Littles have brought to our family. We realized how without the twins our family would have felt incomplete and now there is such joy in being a witness to the magical sibling relationship that all five our children have with one another, but especially that of The Three Littles.
Corbin is a conversationalist, a social butterfly, and a sweetheart. He loves to dance, to ride his bike, and to battle in imagined worlds. For the first year or two, Corbin seemed so much older than the twins and so it was more of a challenge to keep him from squishing them, playing too rough, or being too loud. Once the twins became mobile and interactive, they became his buddies. He has fashioned himself as the leader and will navigate their play together. He will play house with Caroline, but also fight bad guys with Ryland. Corbin knows how to orchestrate a game of hide-and-seek that doesn’t end in tears and will find ways to include the twins when playing with others in the neighborhood. He is their champion, their big brother and their best friend.
Caroline is a little mama, an independent and strong soul, and a compassionate sibling. She loves to color, wear dresses and bows, and mimic what other mommies and teachers do. Caroline was the first out of the twins to do things - to roll, to crawl, to walk. She was also so easy because she could self-soothe by sucking her thumb, she loved to just be and didn’t need cuddled as often as brother. This ease and independence is what she brings to the world of The Three Littles. She will take the lead, organize the play, but when the boys decide they aren’t into her games she is okay to go off and do her own thing. She is rough and tough, but also such a girly girl. Caroline’s presence helps the boys soften, she encourages them and reassures them, she is their cheerleader and loyal companion.
Ryland is a mama’s boy, a music enthusiast, and a loyal brother. Ryland loves Disney movies, his puppy Scarlett and being exactly what his siblings need. Ryland has a sweet sensitive spirit, he feels everything and wears his heart on his sleeve. He will blindly follow Corbin or Caroline and always lets them lead. Because he is so loyal to his siblings, when his feelings are hurt they are quick to hug him, reassure him, compromise and make him giggle. Ryland is the glue to the crew, he has a way of making others feel special and does all that he can to support their ideas - he will be dress up as a princess for Sissy, he will be the bad guy in the backyard battle with Corbin, he will snuggle Scarlett after a long day of being home on her own. He has such a tender heart and because of that he is an important piece to The Three Littles’ puzzle.
The Three Littles are a well-oiled machine, a packaged deal, and a bright light in this world. These three continue to show us the importance of compassion, understanding, and companionship. They have taught us to let go of our fears and worries and to just be present, to explore, to take a leap of faith, and to slow down. The Three Littles have changed our family dynamic and we are so very thankful for the blessings that their lives bring to ours daily. As their parents, we have been stretched and challenged, but now we know we can do anything, together. Their two older brothers have learned their own independence and how much value they bring to this family, with three sets of eyes who are always watching and dreaming to be just like them, the big boys know the examples they set impact these three hearts.
When the twins were born, a dear friend of mine gave me a plaque with this Bible verse on it… “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11. How very true it is. I questioned His trust in us to raise these five babies, but look at the good they have brought us! A light and a future that I am so proud of.
