Tommy on Tommy: Eight!

At eight, Tommy is simply a delight!  He's really finding his own Tommy groove these days.  He's still easygoing and sweet, but also lets his voice and opinion be heard more often, which I love because it's easy for him to be overshadowed by Luke, who is very outspoken. This newfound assertiveness can, at times, come across as whiny, but even then, I have to remind myself that it is good to see him stepping away from being a pushover, and digging in, making his needs known when it really matters to him. Tommy is smart and performs incredibly impressively at school, math is his strongest subject, but he is also great at spelling and reading.  More than that, however, I appreciate the insightful things he has to share these days.  His commentary is thoughtful and you can see how his maturity is developing.  On that note, of all our boys, Tommy is probably the least bookish.  He still enjoys reading, but doesn't seek it out the same way his older brothers always have.  He's also finding his silly side more and more, and it is fun to see him interacting with his friends or sharing with us a funny thing that happened at school.  He's letting his goofball shine!  Tommy is a good friend and a great brother.  Kids really like to be around him--adults too!  Part of that is that Tommy does what he knows needs doing; he's responsible and self-motivated.  When he has a chore or homework that needs doing, he will frequently do it without being asked or will get to it right away when he is reminded.  He likes to get the have-to's done so he can move on to the things he wants to do.  Smart kid!  We are so proud of the older boy we are seeing our baby growing into.  He is gaining in confidence and independence, intelligence, kindness and consideration.  We love you so, Tommy!! 

Tommy's birthday interview is below!

How old are you?  "Eight."
What makes you happy?  "Cookies, bacon, playing with friends, playing board games, my Ozobot, my stuffed animals, brothers, and yeah."
What are your favorite things to eat?  "McDonalds chicken nuggets, broccoli."
What is your least favorite thing to eat?  "Chicken."
What are your favorite things to do?  "Play with Mommy, play in the snow, Prodigy math game."
What is your favorite TV show?  "The Deep."
What are you really good at?   "Math, reading, school stuff, being a good friend."
What is your favorite movie?  "Minions and all the Despicable Me movies."
What is your favorite animal?  "Ducks and hamsters."
What is your favorite color?  "Magenta."
What is your favorite song?  "Give Said the Little Stream."
Who are your best friends?  "Noella Novotny, Dominick Gillin, Alex Pezet, Ike Wilkinson."
What do you and Mom do together that you love?  "Play board games, like Sorry."
What do you and Dad do together that you love?  "Play Stratego."
What is your favorite sport?  "Soccer."
What is your favorite book?  "Jedi Academy."
Where is your favorite place to go?  "Snow forts."
What makes you feel scared?  "Fires and Donald Trump."
What do you want to be when you grow up?  "A veterinarian or a doctor."
What words would you use to describe yourself? "Funny, smart, respectful, playful."
What is the most exciting thing you got to do this year? "National Parks trip."
What do you want to tell the future you? "Get smarter!"