Matthew and I are both the First Born Child in our respective families. Well, truth be told, I am also somewhat of a middle child as well. Long story. Diagrams would help understand the family weeds tree.
Matthew and I both fit perfectly into the stereotype of The Oldest Child. Caregiver, Mature, Responsible, Independent…TYPE A. We have always been able to take care of ourselves and those around us, almost to a fault. People assume we have it all together and do not think we need a hand. Sometimes we wish for a little help…but when it is actually offered we decline. We hate to impose. We will help anyone and everyone without blinking an eye but cringe at the thought of burdening others.
Hello, Oldest Child.
Before we had children we had Grand Ideas. I won’t go into all of them, lest you laugh so hard your head explodes, but the one ideal we had was that our children would be treated equally. There would not be any stereotypical behaviors that were attributed to them based on their birth order.
Right.
For while I do believe that we have done a pretty good job of treating our children equally and fairly, the circumstances in which you find yourself living life will shape who you are and how you behave.
Graham is the stereotypical Oldest Child. He is pretty compliant by nature (apart from the Grade One Attitude that appears hourly occasionally) and is good at taking care of his younger siblings, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
Emily is The Baby. And she knows it. And SHE WORKS IT. We try to keep her Diva in check but GOOD GRIEF THE TEENAGE YEARS WILL BE INTERESTING.
Then we have Nathan. My Middle Child. He sometimes looks lost (Dazed and confused?) and I do not know if he is that way by nature or if he is just trying to figure out where he fits into this family of ours.
He is a truly sweet soul. He peppers my days with hugs and kisses, with declarations that I am the best/prettiest/greatest Mom ever. He hugs friends and strangers with no provocation. It actually delights him if you ask for a hug. You make his day if he can love on you.
Ever since The Fire I have wondered what God’s purpose was for letting us keep Nathan here on Earth for a while longer. Maybe God knew that the world needed a little more love. And a little more Nathan.
This sweet baby boy of mine, this child who was protected by Angels, this angel here on Earth…is no longer a baby.
Today was his first day of Playschool.
His first activity, apart from Sunday School, where I drop him off and he is on his own. Spreading his wings and getting ready to fly.
He is beyond ready. I was not sure if it would be hard on either of us when it was time for me to go. Truth be told, he waved goodbye and ran to join the others without hesitation. It actually made me feel good to know that he was so happy to be there, that he is secure and confident in my love to know that he can live a bit of his life apart from me and that it is OK to do so.
When I arrived to pick him up he jumped up and wrapped his arms around my neck. He burst forth with tales of crafts, of songs, of time spent with new friends.
I am awfully proud of him.
(Is it me or does he look sixteen here? Sigh.)
How sweet! You actually gave me chills talking about God … & Nathan’s purpose on Earth! What a sweet boy you have there! I would be proud of him too!
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If he’s that good looking now, he’s going to be a KNOCK OUT at sixteen.
That jacket is so cute, I’d totally wrestle him for it. Although it wouldn’t fit me even if I won.
Janssen’s last blog post..Not Worth a Stamp
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haha, second paragraph totally sounds like me. and Noah. we’re both oldest children as well.
Congrats on your little boy going to Playschool!! I know you’ll enjoy your mornings with just Emily. Cherish them! (I know you will, just had to say it.)
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..31 days of us
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The hands in the pockets slay me! He’s such a sweet boy.
Amanda Brown’s last blog post..Cook’s Kiss
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He sounds like a really sweet little guy! Glad he enjoyed his first day at preschool
Hannah’s last blog post..WW: week 15
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Oh, Angella, he’s so adorable. I’ve always had a soft spot for him, maybe because he’s the middle child.
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..Passing It On
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He’s a cutie. And does look older than a pre-schooler!
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oooohhhh I love his jacket! I have been looking for one like that in lady-size but I have not been successful.
I love how he’s rocking the Sears catalogue pose in the last photo. Such a stud
hills’s last blog post..To Clarify, You Make My Senses Naked
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He is adorable and your writing just exudes the love and admiration you have for him. You may be a lucky mom, but he’s a lucky boy!
TUWABVB’s last blog post..Sorting It Out One Load At a Time
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Hope you had a fantastic day at preschool, Nathan!
Vicki’s last blog post..Snakes, and Spiders & Fears, Oh My
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Wow! I went back and read the Fire post and read this one as well. I actually have chills and tears. God is Awesome!! What a wonderful testimony. Thanks so much for sharing!
Heather-Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..Feeling like myself again
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I love this post! Birth order is alive and well!!!!!!!!!1
Michele’s last blog post..And?it’s time to ?Boo? the neighbors!
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Congrats on raising an awesome middle kid!
Kate’s last blog post..We are Busy, oh so Busy…
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Holy moly mini studdington over there!!! If only he were 25 or so years older…;-). Mel
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Yes, he does look 16. That’s the first thing I thought when I saw the first photo…when did he get so mature looking.
and that jacket is awesome.
Kami’s last blog post..Me, myself and I
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Too cute! Lovely post!
Anna’s last blog post..Political jumbo
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I see little kids with brand spankin’ new backpacks on, and they are sooooo cuuuuuuuute with their torsos and their backpacks the same length. He looks like a knockout but then you see that huuuuuuge (on him) backpack and all of a sudden….you realize it’s a cute preschooler.
Krista’s last blog post..Crusted Over
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I just re-read your house fire post. It is truly amazing that everything worked out the way it did. Gives me goosebumps. God obviously has a plan for Nathan!!!
I started as the middle child, and was for many years, until my parents adopted. I always pictured myself as the middle of the oreo and that, of course, is the best part! I guess I act more like the oldest…My brother is only 12 months older than me and being the oldest girl puts me in charge!!! Hahaha…Nice thought.
Your kids are all so sweet. Love the photos! (And Nathan does look 16)
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What a dude! How cute, and yes he looks much older than he is!
Birth order rings true in my family, not so much in Ian’s though, he is more like the “older child” even though he is the youngest.
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Wow! He’s growing up quickly. I’d say any kid who’s so overflowing with love is getting exactly what he needs from his Momma and his Daddy. Ya’ll are doing great!
Ashley’s last blog post..It’s a piece of Cake
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I agree, you can totally see him as a teen! He’s such a little cutie pie!
karen’s last blog post..What to do when the oil runs out?.
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I really wish the kids would stop growing up! I’m also including myself in the mix.
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Nathan bring light and joy everywhere he goes!
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He looks so much like Matthew. Which will work well for him in life.
slynnro’s last blog post..Who’s That Girl? It’s Sassy Kay.
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What a sweet boy! Love his school look! And don’t worry, he doesn’t look a day over 12 in the picture… ; )
Elaine’s last blog post..This N’ That
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I’m a middle child. Its a great spot. Yes, at times I did feel a bit bewildered at times but really, its a lovely place to be.
Great pictures, glad he enjoyed his playschool.
monstergirlee’s last blog post..Red Stripes Making Me Cry
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He looks like such a little man in that last picture – it is breaking my heart!!
Don Mills DIva’s last blog post..Let him be
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Wow, he is SUCH a little man! I think there’s totally something to birth order…and I say that as the oldest child.
metalia’s last blog post..There has to be at least ONE thing in this post that will amuse you
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what a little cutie!
suzannah’s last blog post..30 days of nothing recap
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oh my gosh, i just read about your fire. i can’t even imagine how scary that must have been, but how incredible to see God’s hand in protecting your little one. amazing.
suzannah’s last blog post..30 days of nothing recap
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Am now crying and missing you and your family more than ever. That house fire story is amazing, and one I had not read until today. You know this better than anyone but Nathan really is a joy, and such a blessing. He is also hilarious and SO HAPPY. OK, and now I’m gushing to you about YOUR OWN KID. But that’s how much I love them all. Big hugs to Nathan.
Kerri Anne’s last blog post..Super Sister
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I’m a middle child. I had my times feeling like Jan Brady and never getting any attention, but I think that was a good thing. Taught me to be more independent. And to be funny to get the attention.
Kristabella’s last blog post..It’s A Wonder Anyone Ever Gave Me A Job
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