It was Commune Thursday today.
Every Thursday, I watch the Next Door Boys. They are a fine group of boys, who I have always loved, but by learning more and more about them, just as I do my own, I am learning to nearly love them as my own. It's a special relationship and brings somewhat of a sibling bond and birth order dynamic into play that is fascinating to see unfold.
This is Top Dog.
He has final say in EVERYTHING. He knows EVERYTHING. He's the smartest, fastest, most knowledgeable kid around. He loves his role the younger ones have created. Marvels in it actually. Fortunately he is an outstanding child with an incredible pleasing spirit. This brings joy to my heart as he is the leader and plays a large part in what my kin would view as "right". Plus, no one can make Sissy Girl laugh as hard as he can.
Next comes Hearty Hero.
He has a big heart. So big that it can be easily broken. Also so big that he aims to please and impress, specifically Top Dog. Top Dog and Hearty Hero are both first borns, however, which means that there is always a joined appreciation for the spotlight. They can go for hours on end saying "Watch me"...when we direct them to impress each other, it's a match made in heaven, and nobody else gets stuck affirming them time after time but themselves.
Not far behind is Creative Crazy.
He always boasts some form of costume, be it a ninja headband, uniform, wrist guard, or Donald Duck costume from circa 2007. He is very creative in his play. He's funny, a jokester, and has a crackly voice and cute dimple. He is not easy to impress. But if you impress him, you are in and you are special. I find myself always finding need for his approval. Yes, his power is creative crazy. He seems older than Hearty Hero, but he's not. It must be the second brother thing...but he also has something in him that is so far beyond his years. He keeps me guessing. I love that. I also saw him born and every time his happy dimple shows up on his cheek, it reminds me of his first breath.
Next up, Wild Wally.
He's a lover of nature, animals, slimy things, dirty things, climbing things, and adventure. He doesn't seek approval much, but appreciates praise. He is funny, very entertaining and easy to mix in. HOWEVER, Wild Wally is well known for losing things, breaking things, ruining things, and destroying things. He's wild. As much as we're working on reversing the previously stated actions, it's in Wild Wally. I'm still learning how to use that to be a positive trait. Wild Wally loves Miss Delicious. They have a special bond. She sneaks him cookies. Oh, and he biffs a lot. A lot. Hence the major nose burn.
Last, but not least: The Sissy and Bonus Baby
These two know that they are very special. The Sissy, well, she's the only girl in this crew and knows it. Revels in it. Bonus Baby, I've said since he was born, it's as if he knows he wasn't going to exist. Next Door was pretty happy with just two kids, but Bonus Baby was a quick decision. He's happy, he's loving, he's easy. He's chunky. Him and The Sissy are going to have a very unique relationship. I can't wait to see what pans out for these two.
We are quite appreciative of God opening the house next door to our very best friends. We know just how special and unique that situation can be, and we do our best to protect it, enjoy it, and care for it. Part of that is knowing and understanding each other and each other's kids.
His promise was always that He would give us the desires of our hearts.
I just didn't know it meant a daily latte delivered to my door by my best friend.
I'll jump to that!