Adios five!

Tomorrow they are six. An interesting age, to say the least. There is such confidence, but growing awareness adds to uncertainties. There are such strong family ties, but attitudes cause little pecking orders within the family. Two days ago, Carys announced, "I have two brothers and I love one of them. His name is Sebastian." Carys has absolutely no time for Jasper. "Jasper isn't being caring!" she will announce to all and sundry. "Jasper isn't being sensitive!" (Caring, sensitive, risk taker, honest etc are all characteristics of a PYP/IB student, and the kids are becoming familiar with the words, obviously!)

Sebastian and Sela used to be thisclose but now, not so much. Seb and Carys are close. This upsets Sela, who will share with her big brother or right out give him something of hers, anything to be in the sunshine of his approval. But until she stops whinging, she won't be Sebastian's best girl.

Sela is quick to denounce Carys though. "Carys doesn't sing this song as well as I do" she announces about the Gong Shi (?) song that she taught her sister.

And Jasper, well, he is pretty much everyone's stepping board and cuddly toy. He is so laid back you want to shake and squeeze him all at once. Oh he's quick to tears, but so quick to say, "that's okay" the minute he gets his own way. And he has absolutely no accountability. The other day he was late getting out the door and roared, "SEBBIE! You should have given me my backpack!"

My mother said something to me the other day that just made me want to squeeze her....she announced, "Tessie (no, that wasn't the offensive bit), one day you are going to realise just how noisy your kids are. I think you're immune."

Does she really?

Maybe I should scream this.... DOES SHE REALLY?

Or do I just have to pick my battles?

I am not immune as to how incredibly loud my children are. Nor do I mind her one bit saying that they are loud, because I know she loves them like crazy. BUT to think that I DON"T KNOW HOW LOUD THEY ARE? SERIOUSLY?

believe ME I KNOW THEY ARE LOUD.

I keep hoping it will be like manners...gradually they will quieten down, just like gradually they started saying thank you. And I do instruct them to be quiet. Frequently. Re-direct, removal, and words.

But when the majority of time you are playing with someone, the house is going to be at playdate level.

Oh, I know they are loud.

I think our neighbours do too.

We're trying.

Comments

[Dad Lyons]

Once my hearing aid is repaired I will find out if Mo's assessment re: noise levels is true.
\love to all.....Dad

[Mo aka Maureen aka Grandmother aka Mum]

OK, time to repent for the second time! I apologized on Charles' blog for causing such angst amongst two of the greatest parents I know. Ai ya!

[joeinvegas]

Hmm, might have heard them from here, but the trips + 1 across the street seem to be drowning them out.

[Bobb]

The two greatest parent you know huh!!!!! And who are the mythical others? Just wait let me guess, I bet they live in a place that rhymes with Bellowsmyffe. Hugs and Kisses to all. See you soon. But on a real note. A very Happy Birhtday to the kids Carys, Sela, and Jasper. Love Unkle Bobb

[jill]

Sweetheart, its only because you have four of them around....divide them in half and its twice as quiet. Of course they are loud, they want to be heard over the din of the others. Which is a wonderful thing in itself, the desire to be heard....now if you figure out the secret in lowering the decibels, please let me know! Because I don't believe you are immune, just like all moms in the same boat - you have exhausted all your tricks and need time to think up more....

[Nina]

Yep it's loud but it's family and something that shouldn't be extinguished. You never want to give up those golden moments of noise when everyone is laughing together.

[Mel]

Its a good loud though! A big happy birthday to your noisey normal bunch. (Ask Tertia about her critters and loud!)

[Lyns]

I'm with Jill!!! Speaking from a family with four kids (7, 5, 4, and 2.5 years old) It can't help but be loud!!! It's the lay of the land for now...We are a loud family too... no we are not yelling at each other in anger...but b/c we can't hear each other..it's hard to be quiet when there is sooo much excitement over life! Enjoy it... are they quiet when it counts? at school, church, etc..if they are then you are on the right track... Love you and miss you...and I wish all 8 of our kids could play and be LOUD together! xo lyns

[Kim]

I don't know about you Tess, but I start to worry and begin looking around the house when it is quiet. That usually means one (or more!) of my 4 children is up to something heinous!

[Jody]

Happy Birthday!

[Loud seems to go with the territory, doesn't it?]