{Celebrating} Five in five years

Happy birthday, Caroline!

Between us we had five babies in five years. Luke, her first, was born in 2006. Then we adopted newborn Cate in 2007. In 2008, she had Norah. We adopted newborn Ben in 2009. And in 2010, Caroline came. The last gap is the smallest. The first three are right at a year apart from each other. Then there is 19 month gap between Norah and Ben. Ben and Caroline are just nine months apart.

That's five babies in five years for the Taylors and Tompkinses. I love sharing this season with Jaclyn, who became my friend almost 14 years ago when were single college girls.

Caroline, the baby of the group, turned 2 today. This weekend while celebrating our sweet friend's birthday, I told Jaclyn how it was weird that we really don't have a baby between us anymore. We have for quite some time and now they're growing up. Really, I felt more emotions at this birthday party than all the others we have had for our kids who are now 6, 5, 4, 2, and 2. In November, when Ben turns 3, they'll be 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 ... until April when 6 becomes 7 and 4 becomes 5.

Until then, back to the party ...

Ben was happy with an excuse to get wet.

She's tolerating him ... 

... but not for long. 

The bigger girls had secrets and laughter to share.

She adores him. And he's fond of her.

Ben wanted to get an early start on the candle blowing ... 

They're growing up. Together. We're raising our families. Together. It's all worth celebrating at least five times a year.
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