I miss quietness

It's the rare nights like this one, where the kids went to bed without much fuss, that I can sit back and relax in the peace that is our house after 8pm.

It's truly beautiful.

I can hear the cars meandering through our suburb and the sound of Craig's pro-wrestling playing softly in the background. But the foreground is empty. Void of loud noise. This is the sound of settling.

I always enjoyed the peace and comfort of our house.

But since Avalon arrived, my life is often overwhelmingly surrounded with loudness. And I know this is only the start of what will probably peak in another 15 years, when my kids become teenagers. Maybe our house will be filled with shouts and loud music coming from respective rooms. I hope not. But in a family of (hopefully) 8, there's surely going to be disagreements.

But tonight, the two children which God has given Craig and I to care for, are tucked up in their beds, our eldest with warm blankets around her and teddies, our second-born swaddled snugly in her wrap. And tonight, the house mimics the quietness we experienced for the first 6 years of our marriage.

But now, the quietness takes on a new meaning. Because I know that there's more precious people in our house now than before.

Sure, life was a lot more "whimsical" without the children around. Late night trips to exotic locations (like the 24hour Krispy Kreme) and coffee and bountiful Thai on the streets of Newtown.

But now that I know both quietnesses, I'm thankful for tonight. I'm thankful for our noisy children. I'm thankful that our house's noise isn't dictated by Craig's and my voices alone.

Avalon's little voice is rising. Her own personality is bursting forth. And I love the noises she makes. Squeals of delight as she masters jumping off a stair, which is repeated over and over to Craig and my everlasting praise. Giggles as she laughs along with our jokes "funny Mummy, funny Daddy." Even though she has no idea the genius of Will Ferrell that we're recalling. That noise is lovely, too.

Even Willow's noise is becoming more melodical, as she attempts to get our attentions as we fuss around. Her noise is also beautiful, and adds to our family's sound.

It's a cacophony, but a sweet cacophony that marks the air in our house now.