Nolan and Judah: 5.5 Years Old

This is a delayed blog- I love writing so much, but I certainly go through times of feeling like I just don't have time. November seems like one of those time; I think it has a lot to do with having more school work with report cards being sent home at the end of the month. If I have a free kid-free minute, school work takes precedence at that time of year.

Nolan and Judah turned 5.5 on November 7th. This last six months has been HUGE for them- becoming big big brothers to Preston, having their longest summer at home, playing T-ball and soccer, and starting kindergarten. Both boys are loving school AND it's been a HUGE adjustment- they are exhausted and overworked (in my professional and non professional opinion) I'm so thankful, however, that school has been a safe, welcoming place for them. 

These two boys are very much the same Nolan and Judah that they always have been- Nolan's mind moving a mile a minute, sharp with an iron lock memory to boot, feeling hard and deeply, being extremely in-tune with others' feelings. Judah being laid back, friendly and outgoing, but quiet all at the same time, positive and extremely hard working.

Surprisingly, (or maybe not- I should've known), Nolan has had a very difficult time keeping organized at school. I figured with this strong sense to do things perfectly and right all the time that putting things where they go and keeping track of his things would be a breeze for him. Boy was I wrong. What I've learned is that he is kinda like a mad scientist- SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE up there, but like can't remember where he put his shoes. One day I sent him to school with his boots, snow-pants, shoes, hat, and gloves and he came home without his shoes, without a hat, and with one glove that WAS NOT HIS. I asked him where that poor other kids' glove was and he had not a stinking clue. I know because of all I've read about child development and boy development that this will do nothing but get worse... for like lots of years. He wants so badly to keep track of everything and feels terrible when he forgets to bring things home. The gear you have to schelp around at school is L.E.G.I.T.

Judah, on the other hand, who loves to get distracted by just about anything, puts everything exactly where it goes all the time. The poor kid doesn't even have a cubbie at school (they have one too many kiddos in his class) so he has to keep his papers in this random tub that's behind where the rest of his stuff is. He also has to hang his jacket up on a random hook. The kid never forgets his gear. 

Socially, it's been fascinating watching and learning from them this first year in school. Nolan is so interested in social dynamics- who hangs out with who, who the leaders are, the evolution of friendships that are forever growing and changing, all the inter-workings of recess. He has an extremely low tolerance for buffoonery and will quit hanging out with someone the second they use unkind words or get physical in any way. I have been obsessed with this trying not to get overly excited about how much I LOVE that he doesn't tolerate bad behavior. We have had a lot of talks about mistakes, giving second chances, etc.  Judah doesn't give a FLIP about all those social dynamics- he does what he wants to do with anyone who wants to do it with him. He couldn't care less, at this moment, if he is hanging out with just Nolan, or just himself, or twenty people. He just does him, unapologetically. I also am obsessed with that.  

Here is what else is up with these two at 5.5 years old...

What Nolan is Into:
- Art- we have always liked to do art in our house, but it has been on STEROIDS since school started. Nolan does at least one art project per day. He is loving drawing, cutting, gluing, and creating. His people look like little potatoes with eyes, spiky hair, and limbs, and I couldn't love them more. They are spectacular! 
- Reading- Nolan is truly reading and it is incredible to witness. 
- Doing Math Problems
- Building- duh
- Spending Time with Older People (Teachers and Safety Patrol)- not in the slightest bit surprising.

What Judah is Into:
- Art: Judah is like a professional scribbler. He too is doing way more art than he used to. His hearts will melt yours guaranteed. 
- Reading to Himself- Judah is doing wonderful learning sight words as they learn them at school. He LOVES checking books out form the library at school and is perfectly content sitting and reading to himself over and over. 
- Counting on His Fingers
- Building- duh
- Cars- also duh
- Having Everyone at Cornell School Know Who He Is- We've been told on multiple occasions that everyone in the school seems to know who Judah is, adults and students. When we drop him off at school on the times when we walk him in, he is hugging everyone, waving to everyone. Nolan is always asking, "how do you know her/him?!" Judah's response is usually, "I don't know!" He has the privilege of being the first Cougar of the Week in his class and he was just beaming with pride. When his speech teacher asked him what he did to earn it, he said he just smiles every day. That is perfection. 

These boys are growing and learning every day and it's an honor to be along for the ride. I am so grateful that despite their different teachers, they have remained so close! So much has changed, but thankfully, their love and bond hasn't!