Sometimes I worry a little about Beckett because he's the youngest in our family. By the very nature of going through all the milestones and stages last, he runs the risk of not being treated with equal excitement and enthusiasm. Honestly, we've been there and done that. It's really hard to get AS excited for the 4th first lost tooth, the 4th first day of kindergarten, the 4th first football game. You get the idea.
In a very real way perspective, which I view as a powerful and positive weapon to have in our arsenal, also has a downside for the baby of the family. I feel like our highs aren't quite as high for him. We've leveled out some.
But then I stop and think a little more critically about Beckett the BOY, not Beckett the birth order, and I realize that there's nothing at all to worry about. Yes, it's very true that Bob and I have changed as parents since our first time through this process, but honestly I don't think any amount of preparation or experience could really prepare us for Bucky. God knew exactly what he was doing by gifting him to a pair of boy-veterans. We know (a wee bit) more about what scenarios we need to sit up and pay attention to and which ones can come in one ear and out the other. I'm guessing Beckett's teachers may not appreciate this laid back attitude we have about reports that he won't sit still in class or talks in the hallway. We know these things will pass with maturity. But the tattle-tale report from a brother that he was being mean to a neighbor - even if it was during play - that one needs to be dealt with promptly. So yeah... both Beckett and his parents are better off having some experience during his formative years!
Beckett is a crafty and intelligent child - who often puts both of these traits to action in trying to get away with something or convince us that he should get whatever it is he's asking for. This can be a snack, a computer game, a privilege, a pony, etc. He's relentless in his pursuit of whatever it is he thinks will make him happy. Right now that is kind of exhausting, but I really think he's developing a personality and behavioral way about him that will serve him quite well as an adult. He could be an amazing salesman because the child literally will not take no for an answer. And half the time even when we think we are saying "no" he has somehow managed to get what he wants!
I speak of him as if he's a spoiled brat. He IS spoiled... not going to try to avoid that one, but he's not a brat. People like Beckett. He has a LOT of friends. He's fun to be around and enjoys playing all sorts of stuff. He has this thing he does where he plays a game on the computer - like Roblox - and at the same time he has his ipad in his lap watching something on youtube or disney or netflix or whatever. This dual input would give me a killer headache, but he does it ALL the time. He's wired to be able to handle these dual inputs and he picks up bits of info along the way. Recently I've realized he knows a lot about a lot of things that I had no idea he had been exposed to! (And no, not all of these are "proud mom" topics...)
Beckett is a handful - always has been. But goodness gracious is he also a heart-full. He is so full of life and love that I can't imagine our family without him. He finished us, but he also completed us. He adores his brothers - each in their own ways. Zane is literally his best friend - the classic brother relationship in every way - the play, fighting, competing, confiding... all of it! Beckett and Quinn probably spend the least amount of time together, but he loves riding in Quinn's jeep and he knows that Quinn will play fun music and goof around with him. Beckett and Spencer, that's a pretty special relationship for sure. Spencer is coaching Beck's football team this year, so they spend a lot of time together. Beckett views Spence as a second father-figure and also the subject of utter "hung-the-moon" awe. It makes him so happy to "show off" his biggest brother to his football friends. I think Beck will really miss Spencer next year - even if he is counting the days until he moves out so he can get his own bedroom!
It's hard to believe it's been 9 years (on Monday) since Beckett joined us. Time truly flies. He's going to have a great year - and I couldn't be more proud and blessed to get to hang alongside him for the wild ride. Happiest of 9th Birthdays Bucky!
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In other news...
- Quinn went to his first college visit yesterday. We went up to Cleveland, Ga, which is about an hour north of our house in the North Georgia mountains. It's actually where Zane and Beckett go to summer camp. We visited Truett McConnell university, which is a small Christian college. It was so nice and they were all SO kind. Quinn couldn't have had a better first college visit!
- Today Spencer and I drove over to Charleston, SC and tomorrow we will be touring The Citadel. Spencer has applied there and we may have an admission decision from them in the next couple of weeks as they do a rolling admissions. We are both looking forward to seeing the campus after walking around downtown Charleston this evening.
- After our tour tomorrow, we are driving up to Kingsport, TN where we will meet up with Quinn and the rest of the wrestling team for a dual tournament on Saturday. Then back home for a day of rest before starting another week!
- Zane has a football game on Saturday, but Beck has a bye week.
- Next week we have parent teacher conferences and it's a short week for the boys. The weather should be ideal for kicking them outside to play while we work!
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