My School Pictures Never Looked Like This

At the preschool Daniel goes to we are fortunate to have an in-house photographer. So not only is she awesome with the kids, but the kids respond immediately to her because they already know her. Hence, the ridiculously cute pictures (oh and Lauren doesn't attend yet, but I just happened to have her dressed cute that day and arrive a little early...).

Is Mature a Good Thing?

In recent days I've had two strangers tell me that Daniel seemed so mature for his age. Which got me thinking -- is that a good thing? I mean when we are sitting in a restaurant and he is behaving, then yes, it is a good thing. Good for my sanity and for the patrons around us. But I hope I'm not treating him too much like a young man and not enough like a little boy. I'm not ready for him to stop being my little boy. Now don't get me wrong - Daniel can throw a tantrum like the best of them, but I do admit that overall he is a relatively "easy" kid. I find myself being harder on him than Lauren and expecting a lot out of him. Looking back it's been like this for a while.

Daniel was just about the age Lauren is now when I had her (23 months). I remember expecting him to be a good big brother; I thought he was such a big boy at that time. I look at Lauren right now and think she is still a tiny baby! Why is my perception so messed up??!!

I can see now how birth order does impact a child - mostly because of the parents. I understand why my older sister has always been the responsible one -- and I'm just continuing the cycle as I place those same traits onto Daniel. I should step back a little and let him be my little boy for as long as he will let me.

The morning Lauren came home from the hospital - yes, what a big boy indeed!