Leyton & Nathaniel started school today. Quite a new adventure as they are in separate classes this year. It will be interesting to see their growth and changes with this experience. I love having them together, but I do think there will be some benefits for them to allow each of their strengths to come out a bit differently. They complement each other well, and they get along great. I think Nathaniel may have been a little nervous today, but he had a great day as I knew he would. I am proud of him because I think it was a little bit more new to him as he started with a new teacher. Leyton has the same teacher they had last year for kindergarten.
The interesting thing about Nathaniel is that I think often times he is the one that looks to Leyton for some guidance or help with decision making. For example, sometimes Nathaniel will decide on his own to play something, choose a color of something, etc., but then there are several times when he'll want to know what Leyton is doing and go from there. Leyton is very much like Patrick in that he's very laid back in choosing things and will pretty much be indifferent with a lot of decisions. Example: getting dressed. Nathaniel will want certain socks or shirt. Leyton is just happy if someone else gets it for him - "Whatever, Mom." So I see this trait with Nathaniel as somewhat of a security zone for him, to have that familiarity with what he's used to, with what Leyton might be doing and want to do the same. Even more interesting is that looking at this "comfort zone" factor, it's actually Nathaniel that seems to be the social guy. Whenever we talked to parents even early last year, they seemed to usually mention that the boys were very nice, but also mention that they had lots to say about Nathaniel. Sometimes it was sweet in that it was the girls' families; nice that we have a number of very good and nice families at school. He always got a shy little grin about him.
And my Leyton. Like I said, a roll with the punches guy. Unless he's tired and/or in a growth spurt that exhausts him, he's pretty low key and laid back. Nothing phases him and frankly, a lot of things come easy to him. He's typically willing to help out, but will use the "in a minute" answer when he's into something else. Just more of the laid back thing, though...i.e. well, you know, I am laying on the couch right now. Hee, hee. He is a very sweet and loving boy.
I feel blessed that they are both very sweet and caring older brothers to all their siblings. I think we expect a lot of them, but I also think they do a great job of being nice young boys. I enjoy where they are in life, but I don't look forward to any first days of school coming too quickly. I'm sure it can be a time to reflect on one year to the next, and I don't want to let the time fly too quickly.
Have a great year, boys! (And tune in tomorrow for Jacob's first day!)
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