From the moment children are born, everyone loves to comment about what traits they get from which parent. Associate A has a cleft chin like his daddy, and Associate P looked just like me when I was a newborn… but we could already tell he had his Daddy’s feet. I joked that he was me from the belly button up, the CEO from the waist down 😉
Trying to identify all those cute little physical traits is magically mind-blowing because reality is kids are 50/50 of their parents, and even the most adorable mini-me parent look alike will have some undeniable similarities of the other parent.
The REAL fun begins as the Associates develop their personalities and it because obvious – sometimes awkwardly – that they are just like us.
- Associate P has his daddy’s OCD tendencies already in full bloom. Lord forbid I put two foods on the same plate or hand him a wet cup… “DRY IT mommy!” And he already is very eager to wash hands if at all dirty. Cute, if you like washing a million kiddy cups every day. But, just like his daddy, this OCD tendency is just that. Thankfully, neither are fully over the cliff with quirks, and both are completely oblivious to the tornado of mess they leave behind them. As long as what is immediately in front of them makes orderly sense, they are happy campers.
- Associate A does not like to be told “No.” I have always struggled with this, and become more defensive than a Buckeye lineman facing off against the school up North if I hear the big N-word. Associate A has also had a visceral, primal reaction to the word from just a few months old. He throws a mini-terror for 30 seconds…. usually. Sometimes longer. Combine that with the way he is eating lately and maybe he will grow up to be a Buckeye lineman.
- Associate A also loves to dance like his mommy. Put on some music and that kiddo will bust a move.
Maybe we should look for more of the cute positive personality trait similarities, but usually they only jump out at me when they are the negative ones.
Just yesterday I really reached outside of my comfort level to suggest some painting with BOTH associates. I am not naturally creative, nor is that where I would say I enjoy spending my time… but it is good for both kids imaginations and fine motor skills, so thus I am compelled to offer it. Normally this is an activity I enjoy 1:1 with Associate P. Associate is the wild card free spirit, which is even more reason I should be doing this with him.
Easel and big brown paper on the ground on back porch, check! Washable paints, check! Clothes off the associates, check! Towels, rags and wash bowl ready, check! We were all set to have some amazing creative fun…. for exactly 6 minutes. They had a great time. Associate P painted two nice neat pictures of garbage trucks for daddy, and Associate A made an amazing amount of mess covering himself in gooey paint from head to toe.
Associate A Mixing His Palette
They impressed me with their focus. Associate P set out with a vision and took great care mixing his colors. Associate A was giddy with joy at the creative process. I thought to myself, “OMG they are just like the CEO.”
The entire time they were painting I was also shallow breathing telling myself it was ok. That is what they were supposed to do. It would all clean up. Thanking God for washable Crayola paint.
And after the brief inspired burst ended, they were more than happy to spend 30+ minutes washing the brushes, scrubbing down the easel and wiping down the messy paint cans.
Associate P Washing Brushes and Hands With Great Care
As my blood pressure dropped, I felt a sense of pride swell up as I saw Associate P hose his brother off and help him wash the brushes. Then I thought “OMG, are these kids me or what??” I am the one who restores order and is a caretaker… and only enjoys creative release in small doses.
It was a perfect example of their 50/50 split. They are a little me, a little of the CEO and everyday we get to see a little bit more of their own unique personalities shine through.
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