Even though he's 4, he seems like an old soul to me. He's definitely a one-of-a-kind kid and as much as he frustrates me sometimes, he and I are very "close." I feel like a lot of it has to do with the fact that since he was about 2 1/2, I only worked 2 days a week. So I feel like I got to see him "grow up" a little more. Overall, I have just spent more time with him than I ever spent with Brooke and somehow that makes our dynamic a little different. Some highlights and lowlights from age 4:
- This kid is my travel buddy--he'll go anywhere, anytime. Grocery store, post office, taking out the garbage cans, you name it. He's always up for going someplace, without a complaint. He's a great traveler.
- He's always been a kid with high sleep needs and that has not changed. He will still nap 3 hours a day if I let him. I have to cut his nap short to go pick up Brooke from school, so he sleep soundly for about 1 1/2 hours. Luckily, he's doing better on days he doesn't have a nap. He used to get super cranky and fall asleep at 5pm. Now he can hang in there until bedtime.
- On the social end, he is far behind Brooke at this age. I think most of it has to do with his general temperament (he's not socially outgoing or savvy at all!), but I also think some of it has to do with him being a BOY and maybe some has to do with the fact that he didn't have as many "social" experiences via daycare like Brooke did. He's had (minor) issues with hitting other kids for the past year and a half. It's gotten a thousand times better just with age, but every once in awhile his preschool teacher will tell me he smacked someone. This last time, we had a loooong talk about it and I could tell I was getting through to him. He even told me, " I don't hit anymore, mom. I gave that up." It was super cute to hear him say that. I truly feel that he's just NOW understanding how wrong it is to hit his friends!!! He can FINALLY understand that other people have feelings, too!! Now, Brooke (a true sensitive GIRL) knew this at like 18 months! Like I said, Will is WAY behind in the social realm. I am just happy to see improvement!!!! Raising a boy is so different!!
- He's extremely stubborn and very resistant to try new things. He likes things the way there are. Change is NOT good, according to him!!
- Academically, he knows A LOT. But he's one of those kids who can be lazy if he's not pushed. This is another point of frustration. I find kids that have "talent" and who don't apply themselves waaaaaay more frustrating than kids who just genuinely try their best all the time. Will is the former and Brooke is the latter. But as far as picking up new concepts, and knowing kindergarten "academic stuff," he's definitely ahead for his age.
- I love having him and Sarah home together! I love to see how he interacts with her. He just looves her!!!! He's also very protective of his little sister. For a kid that doesn't show much emotion, it's vert sweet :)
Here are some pictures of our beach trip to Santa Cruz and Capitola!
Boardwalk fun with sissy! She really is his true BFF!
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| Blue cotton candy heaven!!! |
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| Beach fun at sunset |
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| Busy busy!!! |
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| Swimming at 9am--why not??! |
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| The best attempt at the group pic |
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| We love the beach!!! |
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| Dysfunctional kid pic #2...notice Sarah's sand beard!!!! |
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