We have had a lot of change in the last three months. The school routine has dramatically shifted our life, almost entirely for the better. I feel like our weeks have a better flow and that things are calmer, at times. The boys are also playing together better and better. Sometimes there can be 20-30 minutes straight where they play without conflict or needing our direction. This is a true gift!
I have included a photo of each, but it is impossible to catch them cute and not grumpy. Jack has never been cooperative with photos, but even James and Thomas were a challenge on this day. I guess we get to savor their cuteness on our own!
JAMES
James continues to be a mystery. He shocked us all by being the most enthusiastic about school. He likes playing with a few of the girls and enjoys all aspects of school, including art. He has been a bit less clingy to mommy, but I think this is because Ellie has really taken to him. She wants to include him in things she does, and he appreciates the extra attention and direction, for the most part. He is generally intrigued by what adults are up to, so Ellie provides a window into an older world when we are otherwise unavailable. The million dollar question continues to be whether his moments of frustration, stubbornness, and sadness are a part of his personality or the result of some underlying medical concerns. He is prone to being sick and we have recently discovered–in large part because of his teacher’s astuteness–that he may have chronic fluid in his ears. We will see how this all plays out and we hope to bring him relief if there is any to be had. I think James is also on the verge of a speech breakthrough, which would help him to better communicate his needs.
As a funny aside, James is obsessed with the color orange. Any object that is orange, he tries to claim and possess. We recently drove through Clemson’s main street and he was enamored by all of the orange paraphernalia. I think he may have already completed his college selection process!
JACK
Jack is one squirmy boy. The minute he gets into his highchair, he acts like he has a classic case of ants in his pants. He continues to get engrossed in his play and is pretty happy until someone interferes. His current obsession is his big wheel bike. Part of his restlessness at the table is related to his fear that if anyone gets out before him, then they will take his bike. Jack wavers between having the worst whine (when he gets worked up about his brothers bothering him) and having the cutest smile ever! His teacher reports that Jack does NOT like art. We have gotten a few projects sent home that say “For Jack, From James.” Jack tends to be fairly independent and easygoing, that is when he is not frustrated or impatient. We have observed he and Thomas engaging in cooperative play together, especially when Ellie and James are engaged. Though Jack is not overly verbal, he is very easy to figure out.
THOMAS
Or “La” as Jack and James call him (I am puzzled by the origin). Thomas called himself “La” for awhile, too, but now it is “Tom-ease.” Thomas continues his zest for life. He is equally expressive in both positive and negative ways. Thomas has become very verbal, which means that I feel I know him the best, because he has the verbal skills and personality to make sure I do. He likes to be the center of attention. When his class photo collage came home, Thomas’ photo was in the center and considerably larger than his classmates’. Even Ellie noticed it and likes to tell people that Thomas is either “Mr. Personality” or “Big Personality.” Furthermore, since he is the only talkative boy, what he says is funny and helpful. Once we have four children talking nonstop, all bets are off!
Much of Thomas’ conversations are about people (teachers, babysitter, best friends, and grandparents). Second in frequency are things related to himself. Whatever he hears, he repeats and personalizes (“Thomas go to school,” “want more jelly, too!”). He frequently brings himself into conversations i have with the other children. Sometimes it seems like he talks just to have something to say (I think he gets this from his dad!).
A few cute or memorable sayings:
He often says “please,” “thank you,” and “welcome” (and often all at one time).
He loves to tattle on Ellie. For this brief period in life, it is very helpful. My favorite to date is when he came running to me to report, “Ellie push(ed) me,” while Ellie retorted “I didn’t push you, Thomas.”. They both insisted on their stances and got increasingly frustrated. Finally, Ellie was so exasperated she shouted “I didn’t push Thomas, I HIT Thomas!” She didn’t so much mind being faulted, she just couldn’t stand his inaccuracy. This happens frequently between the two where he says something wrong and they both insist they are right. Like I said, all of this is manageable with only Thomas talking. Yet, we’re eager for Jack and James to let us into their world a bit more.
