Kids

Most parents think they have the smartest, most gorgeous and awesome kids in the universe. No other child can compare, right?

Well, tonight I had another glimpse of the brilliance that is Samantha. She has never acted her age. People always assume that she’s older than she is, despite the fact that she’s smaller than most of her peers.

I was reading a book to both Samantha and Timothy. Timothy just kind of sat and stared at the pages. Samantha was very interactive, as she always is. Then I remembered when we first got the book. Samantha was about 18 months old, and even back then she interacted with the story and asked questions. She was so aware of what the story was about (a storm), that I had to change the story a little so she wouldn’t be frightened in one of the regular thunderstorms that we experience. She had never been afraid of storms, and so I didn’t want the book to teach her that it’s ‘normal’ to be afraid during them. (Side note: she still gets very excited when the wind picks up, the black clouds roll in, heavy rain starts to fall and the lightning strikes and thunder crashes – it’s just a fun game to watch the storm). Samantha is very aware of the world around her. Her relationships are very important and she understands who fits where in the extended family. She understands that she has two homes, Thailand and America, and that she travels regularly between them. And that Mummy’s family lives in Australia. Jet the Black Poodle plays a very central role in that part of the family.

Now, so that I don’t commit the Cardinal Sin of Parenthood, I will now talk about my son’s brilliance. Timothy is also very verbal, and he likes to look at books. He also likes to rip them to shreds. This little guy is very technical. He likes to figure out how things work, and he’s way too good at it. He can turn on the tv and dvd and start the movie. He can open things that I do not want him to open. Like car doors. He can stick the key in the ignition. I have not and will not give him a chance to figure out how to start the car!!

Samantha is an adventurer and a leader. She runs head long into things and worries about consequences later (and often she’s successful in her endeavours, so never finds out that there was danger involved). Timothy is more reserved and follows his sisters lead. He stands back and evaluates, and when he sees what happens to his sister.

I see this scenario occuring in about 5 years:

Samantha is climbing a big tree.
Timothy: Shouldn’t we ask mum and dad first.
Samantha: Naw, they won’t mind. Let’s go! Race you to the top.
Timothy: It’s looks a little dangerous, I don’t think we should do this.
Samantha: (by this time she’s at the top) Come one, Timmy. There’s a great view up here.
Timothy: …. (he’ll either climb the tree, or he’ll run to get me. only time will tell…)

Oh, and both of them will be in their Sunday best, and the tree is in the church parking lot!! 😉