John Paul
This young boy has been surprising Luis and I on a daily basis with how much he's developed since school started in the Fall. We switched him after Christmas to St. Mary's school which is a 5 day a week program. The transition was seamless for him. He loves the "bigger" school, classroom and excitement of many new friends. I think he's aware of how fast he's developing and learning. I have to direct his intensity towards positive things. I tell him he's my "leader" child and sometimes that means sacrifice. He's got to learn now that he will not always be first in life despite what he wants! Overall, I think he's got a strong choleric/melancholic streak (Gee, wonder where he got this from?...). We hope to help form him into a boy of goodness and virtue. I'm sure it won't happen overnight!
Gabriel
Gabe has undoubtedly missed John Paul's companionship since school started. He's a sensitive guy with a need for lots of one on one attention. This fits naturally into our schedule most days as he sometimes goes to bed after his siblings and then wakes up after John Paul is already at school...affording me opportunities to chat with him or read books. He has a HUGE heart- much like Luis'. He has the natural tendency to share and make others happy. At Barnes & Noble this past weekend, Luis bought him a cookie as a reward for something. He immediately split it in half with John Paul. Monica caught wind of the treat and he then split his half with her...out of sheer desire with no prodding on our parts. He has a much more rebellious streak than his older brother so it takes more to get him to do something. But he's a quick learner.
For instance, he totally knows how to use the toilet. But he doesn't want to. (It's probably some "second child syndrome"!) I can't force him so I've let it all go until he decides he wants to. He has an inherent musicality which drives him to express himself ALL day with anything remotely musical.
Monica
The newest and most foreign thing (since two boys) is the recent collection of baby dolls that have made their way into our lives. She just loves snuggling with them most of the day. But catch her in a wild mood and she wants to abuse these poor dollies to no end (ie-slamming them repeatedly into the carpet...whatever!). She has perfected the high pitched girly scream that is supposed to get her whatever she wants whenever she wants. For instance, she know exactly where I keep the leftover Christmas stocking candy and puts up quite a fuss when she can't explore that territory. I'm having to dig deep for more reserves of patience so that I don't give in to her every whim! John Paul likes to tease her and she does have a special affinity for her oldest brother. She wants to do exactly what the brothers are doing if at all possible. And despite all of my best efforts, she's still convinced that crayons taste great.
Hoping this gives the grandparents a better look into life here with these kids!
