TJEd in All Kinds of Places: Seven Years Old

Monday, April 8, 2013

Seven Years Old

Xander turned seven. Above, see him on the morning of his birthday reading a jokes and riddles ebook on my phone that was his first present of the day. As a proud mom, I am giving you his newly-turned seven-year-old vital statistics.

Height:
47.5" (3 feet 11.5 inches)

Weight:
48.5 lbs.

He's actually almost average height and weight for his age! That hasn't been the case for most of his life.

Sleeping:

Xander hasn't napped for over four years. The times when we catch him asleep on the ground or the couch are getting more and more rare. He goes to bed at 9:00 right now. If he was going to public school, this would have to be so much earlier to leave time for adequate sleep, getting ready in the morning, eating breakfast, and walking or driving to school. This new later bedtime seems to suit him better and gives us more family time each evening. I start waking him up around 8 or 8:15 in the morning if necessary.

He and Nick have just moved in together, sharing the bunk beds. It's been a week now and the adjustment has been quick and easy. So far.

Eating:

I haven't noticed growth spurt eating in Xander in a long, long time. But I have noticed him growing. He does not have the appetite that Nick does. He will eat almost any food if we encourage him to try at least a bite, but he has definite dislikes (any beans other than green beans, mushrooms, eggs). Both boys eat greens and salads willingly and eat plenty of fruit. And sweets. I often bake cookies or similar treats and they have gotten used to having dessert most nights.

Main Interests:
Still Lego. He loves the minifigures and the brochures especially. He has an attachment to his things and feels nurturing about his stuffed animals. He loves to draw pictures of warriors or play fight with Nick. The Muppets have become an interest as well. He will pore over books for hours.

Favorite Books:
Anything Lego, some Star Wars graphic novels, Usborne Internet-Linked Ancient World, James Herriott stories.

Miscellaneous:
I have observed Xander maturing. He can interact with neighbors, friends, and his brother while keeping his cool a lot more of the time. When I watch him play with friends, he often has a peacekeeping insight to offer during disagreements. This is not to say that he's perfect at it. He and Nick get frustrated and annoyed with each other almost every day. But I can see the growth in this area, too.

He loves animals. Grandma Bonnie gifted him with a week-long summer camp where he will learn all about taking care of dogs - with live models, of course! He will be in seventh heaven.

Soccer season has started. We usually only do one sport per year, not counting swim lessons. Xander still seems to keep up with skills pretty easily even though we don't practice a lot at home. He still seems to like it, too. He could use more force with his kicks and his game play. I am convinced he holds back because he will not let himself hurt anyone.

Rough Schedule:
8:00 breakfast, school warm-up activity
8:30 Morning Cards to get ready for the day
9:00 sibling playtime
10:00 school checklist and read-alouds
11:00 outside break, maybe drills or a run
11:20 finish school checklist, spend time with Sandy
12:00 lunch and clean-up
12:30 do the day's chore(s)
12:45 Sustained Silent Reading time
1:15 independent playtime or reading
2:15 walk to mailbox, maybe playground
3:00 snack or tea time

3:30 do next stage of laundry together or practice recorder

4:00 outside or TV time (Wild Kratts, Electric Company)
5:00 a couple of pre-dinner chores, help me cook or clean up kitchen
6:00 family dinner
7:30 family activities or sibling playtime
8:30 start getting ready for bed
9:00 bedtime

And more pictures: