I’ve recently had a few people ask me what it’s like having little ones that are 4 years apart. And while I touched on the subject early on {here, here and here}, I figured now that we’re 7 months in and Reese is much less blob-like these days, I’d give more of an “official” real-life review.
My girls are 4 years and 2 months apart. Obviously I have nothing to compare this age gap to, but I will tell you, so far I am SO happy it worked out this way.
Lets start with the obvious…not having two kids in diapers is so amazingly awesome.
For the most part, Rylee has outgrown the resentment she had toward me at the very beginning. Every once in a while it’ll rear it’s ugly head, but for by and large, it’s smooth sailing and seriously? I couldn’t be happier about this, because that stage was just flat out hard and it actually kind of hurt my feelings.
Even though we try not to abuse this, it’s so nice having a kiddo that can help with things from time to time. Stuck in a chair nursing? Hey Ry, can you go get me a clean burp rag? Cooking dinner and the baby is fussing? Ry, can you please get your sister her binkie? Have to run to the other room for a second to take your jewelry off before your curious baby rips it off? Ry, can you keep an eye on your sis real quick while I run to the other room? “Okay mama!” A few minutes later…”Moooom, Reesie is headed for Dante’s water bowl!”
I love how much rylee wants to help out. And we try to accommodate as often as possible, but Sometimes the constant wanting to help can be annoying. Like, automatically add in and extra 10-15 minutes no matter what the task is. And sometimes, if its just not feasible for her to help out, or if I just don’t have the patience, Rylee’s feelings can get a bit hurt.
I’ve already mentioned the girls adore each other, which is great, but I say “Rylee get out of your sister’s face!” more times than I can count. If I had a dollar for every time I said that, I’d easily be a thousandaire right now. I’m sure she’ll get it…eventually. Hopefully before Reese is old enough to shove Ry out of her face on her own.
The toys can be an issue. Number one, 4 year olds have tiny toys. For example Rylee is into Legos. And not the big, toddler kind. The real, little, step on one in a dark room and you’ll jump to the ceiling kind. Talk about choking hazards! We’re in full on toy segregations & baby gate mode right now. Then there’s the issue of Reese’s toys…anytime Reese gets a new toy or we take a toy out of storage for her, Rylee is all up in its business. For now, Reese doesn’t care. Heck, it’s even kind of nice because Rylee can show Reese how to use it, but I definitely see this becoming an issue in the future.
Reese is currently in the “easily distractable” stage of nursing. Which can be annoying when your busy little four year old is jumping and dancing around. But, Ry is also old enough to understand when I tell her I’m going to feed Reese in her room and she needs to play in her room or watch a movie or whatever.
I suppose we can’t leave out the fact that Reese has watched more tv in her short 7 months on earth than Rylee did her entire first two years. Oops.
Even 4 years apart the girls are close. No one can make Reese laugh like Rylee can. Reese hears Ry’s voice and looks for her instantly. If Ry is having a rough afternoon, Reese is always there to try and make her smile. These girls are as thick as thieves and watching them together seriously makes my heart melt.
So, yea…kind of all over the place, but long story short? A 4 year age difference is great. The minor “annoyances” are far, FAR outweighed by the awesomeness of watching them together.
Now…ask me again in another 6 months to a year when Reese can run around and steal toys. Ha.
