The Odd Squad... Reloaded

Today in a few short hours, C will officially be 2 so technically I can still call them the Odd Squad plus this pic was taken last night so I'm good... An update to the previous and first Odd Squad edition

E9 - E is such a busy kid. She loves to stay busy and her mind is always thinking about what's coming next. This summer she's knee deep in several camps plus swim team. I joke that she'd make a perfect only child because then she'd get to do EVERYTHING - but fortunately for her God had a bigger, better plan. She's still learning about leading versus dictating over her siblings and the effectiveness of both. Fourth grade is coming up in the fall and I know that she'll be rocking Battle of the Books as well as quietly trying to conquer her fear of dogs. 

R7 - R is still very much the quietest one in our bunch - at least if all the siblings are around. I really loved and appreciate that I was able to take her on a Valentine's Day solo outing (and the others on their adventures). She really does have alot on her mind but usually can't put a word in edgewise. In some ways she is very shy but she can be extremely firm and stand her ground - like M copying her in EVERYTHING - which remains a point of extreme frustration. Second grade is coming up which means First Confession and cursive writing; E has scared her into thinking cursive is the most difficult thing in the world but I'm quite sure she will do fine - especially since she's got a lefty-partner in crime older sister who knows the ropes.  

M5 - M is the middle child but really she's not. She's the baby of the big girls and the leader of the little kids. She can happily play with either group and it is interesting to see her go between the two. M is much more competitive than I could have imagined. She loves to score goals in soccer and the thought of losing in swimming (to her BFF) can bring the tears - we are working on losing with grace : ). Trying new things and doing things differently do not come easily for this creature of habit. She is quite determined in more ways than one. I think if we could knock out reading book - all 70+ lessons she has left - she'd be thrilled. Kindergarten is coming quick and aside from being nervous about a new school and new friends, M will surely do well. 

A3 - If you haven't clicked the link you should, just so you can see As hair. To our only boy, where are the words? This boy keeps us on our toes. He can be very mechanical and he thinks about things much differently than the girls. He asks me frequently 'how is the baby coming out' - and I promise the girls maybe have asked once or twice ever over all the pregnancies. A insists that this baby is a boy and desperately wants to know why we aren't having twins? A can get very focused and emotional/passionate about some things - currently it is mowing the grass - and when things break - like a car track or Legos (hello C!) - this can be super tragic to A. He has recently taken to altar serving on Sundays (with Papa) - which is amazing (perks of being a deacon's son) and cute (he is falling out of his vestments) and a massive burden off my Sunday shoulders (because shockingly enough he CAN behave for Liturgy). This fall is going to be a game changer for A because he's going to be the oldest and he's going to be lost for a bit without M at home to play with but I think he and C will keep themselves busy. 

C1 - To the loudest member of the family. The babbler. The thrower (of all things food and toys). Two will suit you well little girl. C has really been talking up a storm and is super chatty and I'm picking out more and more things that she says - and some of what she repeats is quite amazing. Her current habits include throwing unwanted food off her tray (and suffering the consequences of losing eating privileges upon launched food) and throwing toys and the like when she isn't getting her way. If I ever thought one of our kids should play baseball - C takes the cake. C loves all her siblings and if she's thinking about it gives everyone a big HEEELLLLLOOOOOO in the morning accompanied by a hug. Her current worst habit is sticking her hand in dirty diapers and aside from keeping her in a pajama onesie all the time - we are hoping this habit will get kicked soon. C starts preschool in the fall as well as be dethroned from the family baby status so her world might get rocked for a few weeks in September BUT I have no doubt she won't get lost in our crowd.