Lifers, Part 2

One thing I loved about growing up the eldest of 6 was: there was always someone to do something with. Anytime I wanted a playmate, shopping buddy or movie pal, I got it. As I watched our 2 girls and Max interact on our trip, I hoped they were having the same experience. So far, they seem to be perfectly content playing with each other and truly enjoy one another's company. It's been a blessing the girls are close in age and enjoy the same things. Max is content with either, but seems to favor Lizzy if she is home. They have meshed to together, our three, and I am thankful. Our prayer is they also become "lifers", that they establish a strong sibling bond that will lead them through adulthood as friends and confidants. How will baby #4 fit in? This I have wondered and at times worried about. But, as I quietly watch and listen to their interactions with each other, I'm lead to believe their love too will multiply, not divide, and soon we will have four "lifers" to love.

Lifers, Part 1

Through our 10 years, Kelly and I have enjoyed many friendships. Some we still talk to frequently and others we take time to catch up during the holidays or through blogging. There are however a few couples that will remain forever life friends no matter how infrequently we see them. Most of these friends were made in the newlywed stages of our life. Friends we spent years with in San Fran knew us before we had children and life was fresh and new. We were all poor and a little homesick, finding unity with those in similar situations. What fun we had as kid-less couples, living it up in the City By The Bay. Then came our friends who helped us through Residency, a stressful time. We were new parents, as were they, adoring our babies and having fun planning for the future. These were bonding times. Now, we don't live by most of these friends, but love taking time to see them on vacation, where it feels like no time has passed. This last week we had a chance to see two of these said friends.
The Rebers are close school/residency friends who we loved living by and were so sad when they moved to AZ. We had a great time with them in Las Vegas while the husbands were busy learning how to fix feet, the wives and children played (and played).
The Emetts knew us as we began the residency years: Kelly, always gone and me, an apartment manager. They met us for a weekend in Zions, one of their favorite vacation spots. We appreciated their graciousness as they showed us around this magnificent place.
We laugh now at how our families have grown. What started as both of us having one, has now turned into growing families with lots of kids. They have seen how far we've come, and vice-versa. We feel lucky to have several of these friendships and know we will be friends through life, lifers.