I think my favorite thing about being blessed with a big family is that we have such an eclectic mix of personalities, opinions and tendencies. Its amazing how different 6 kids all born to the same parents can be. Of course, at times it can be maddening, at dinner time for example. But for the most part it is endearing.
As the kiddos grow this becomes more obvious and it has become my daily mission to preserve and respect those things that are unique to each of them. It starts from the moment they wake up (or refuse to wake up.) One likes oatmeal, the next hates it. "Yogurt parfaits" are a hit with everyone, but God forbid you put blueberries on his - he only likes raspberries. She'll eat any granola - he hates the one with nuts. One drinks rice milk, one drinks skim. On to lunches - PBJ for him, tuna for her. And so it goes. . . Everybody get dressed -The Batman shirt is his, not the Star Wars - even though they both wear the same size. She hates jeans and loves leggings. She wears only pink, she'll wear any color BUT pink . . .
I think its so important that we don't "bulldoze." Group everyone together because its easier that way. I have been guilty of this in really chaotic times (there's several periods like that every day!) That being said - we all eat the same dinner and follow the same house rules, but I try to really single out those things that make each of our kids special.
Piper is the house artist for sure. She loves baths and fashion design. Trace could tell you something you never knew about almost every animal you've ever heard of (or never heard of.) Carter is the "Baby Whisperer." Seriously, babies LOVE this kid. His siblings and cousins tend to say his name before any other name. Finley is our girly-girl through and through. Its pink and princesses and lip gloss all the way. She is sassy and sweet and eats anything and everything around the clock and is the tiniest little thing you've ever seen! Scout is mayhem, in a rough and tumble almost two-year-old. She LOVES her little brother more than anything else in the whole world, and being number five she is more self-sufficient than any of the others at this age. She has her coat and shoes as soon as she sees the car keys. Nobody's leaving baby home!!! That brings us to Bear, who has never been formally introduced here. He is now three months old and officially the sweetest baby ever! He smiles as soon as you catch his eye, and is so alert and wiggly now. We are all crazy in love with him and getting lots of time to snuggle together inside with this cold, gray winter. Hope all is well with everyone . . .
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