Welcome to the Zoo.

For realsies.

I'm even going to make a sign that says 'Welcome to the Zoo'. And I also want a sign that says 'Please excuse the mess, my children are making memories', but that sign is irrelevant.

So I've been listening to alot of people in our lives lately analyze our kids. I'm not sure if its because our kids have huge personalites and are full of passion, if its because they can't handle the life my kids fill a room with, or if its because they are the type of people who don't like puppies. At any rate, no one knows my kids like I do, and a blog post sure as heck isn't going to even shed a little light on their amazingness, but at least it'll give a little explanation for the next time you are around them.

First and foremost, I am a firm believer that birth order makes a difference in personality traits. So let's hit that first (you can go here and here to read the articles I am quoting):

First borns are natural leaders. "They also tend to be reliable, conscientious and perfectionists who don't like surprises. Although, firstborns are typically aggressive, many are also compliant people pleasers. They are model children who have a strong need for approval from anyone in charge."

Middle children "are the most difficult to pin down" and "does not openly share his thoughts or feelings". "They can usually read people well, they are peacemakers who see all sides of a situation, they are independent and inventive."

"While lastborns may be charming, they also have the potential to be manipulative, spoiled or babied to the point of helplessness." "Younger children tend to get along in the world better – a trait known as 'agreeableness'".

Ok, so with that being said, I also think that nurture has a lot to do with how children act and grow. I'll be the first to admit that we aren't perfect, or even in the vicinity of perfect, parents. We don't beat or starve our kids, so they are pretty lucky nonetheless. We let our kids be themselves, and I take pride in that. We don't make them feel bad for being too silly or loud (though there are times and places for that). People say my kids are loud. Guess what? I'M loud. So shocker that my kids would be too right? Nate likes to play fight with the boys, so our boys play fight with other kids. It's just what kids do. They learn from their environment, take that info, and mold it to fit their personality. Accept it, because thats how you became who you are today too!

Will - is silly. Is a people pleaser (which I always say, and what the article above says!). He truly loves to make others smile, at all expenses. He is creative. He loves to draw. Tell stories. Dance. We should all be lucky to have him share his huge imagination and creativity with us. He loves to know that people love him, and even though he is 8 and tries to act so tough, I still find him trying to cuddle with me sometimes.

Jake - is Jake. The kid has more silly faces than any other human. He is definitely our loudest child, most outspoken (yes, at 3). He wants what he wants, and he'll fight for it. He's a leader for sure. He is the furtherest thing from a push over. He loves his family, and for as long as I can remember, puts people in their place if he thinks anyone is talking meanly to another person. He is super smart - I can't wait to see what he grows up to be! He is the most energetic child I have ever seen, and some days I couldn't keep up with him if you paid me.

Sophia - is our tiny little baby girl. She really is so sweet. She carries baby dolls around (which is new for us, and I totally love), and she quietly plays to herself. She loves to dance, and she absolutely LOVES when her big brothers pay attention to her. She is also very sassy. She wants us to know when she is unhappy, and she is figuring out ways to let us know. I'm definitely in no hurry to see what the arrival of her little sibling will do to her attitude!

My kids are the loves of my life. They are my whole life. And I get so beyond frustrated when I hear people say things about my kids; "Your kid is too wild" "He is too loud" "Doesn't that kid calm down". I literally could shake the people who say these things. First of all, my kids are KIDS. They are supposed to be crazy. They are little people who don't quite know that most adults are cranks. They are figuring out the world. They don't know rules like 'don't scream at Target, it annoys people'. Or 'don't run through the racks at Ross, someone might steal you'. These are things they are learning. But do believe me when I say, my kids will learn these things. And while I teach it to them, I will continue to let them be themselves.

And don't judge my parenting, by the way. I have 3 pretty fantastical kids, and I didn't even get a manual on what to do after child comes out of the birth canal. No one suggested a 'Raise human this way for correct results' book. No one said "Hey, take the Right way to Parent class". I say that as long as you love your child, show them kindness, teach them to be a kind and productive member of society, and let them be themselves, you are doing good.

So in good 'ol bragging rights fashion, I leave you with this - my kids are cuter than yours ;)

xoxo,
Sher