Kip || 5 Years Old

WHOLE HAND HAPPY OVER HERE. We have a five-year-old in the house!!!

 

Kipling at 5 Years

Weight: 41.8 lbs.(36.8 lbs. at 4 years) 

Height: 43 inches (41.3 inches at 4 years) 

Personality: 100% spicy

 

Ugh, my heart. He looks like such a big kid in this photo!

 

Kip is an active sensory seeker. He loves running around, jumping, climbing, and just moving his body. He likes water and sand and play doh and dirt and wants to get his hands into things. He tells us he cannot be quiet because his "voice is powerful!" I love that he knows his voice has power, I just wish it was five notches softer sometimes!

 

He is a good friend, plays with everyone, does not limit his interests and is likely described as "popular" in the classroom and playground.

 

Kip's personality is unique and hysterical. He can be incredibly outgoing and his effervescence will fill a room. He can also be introverted and introspective. This softer side of him came out a lot more this year when he often sought refuge in the quiet simplicity of our home after being "on" all day at school. I've never considered him an introvert before but I am seeing some of those tendencies more lately.

 

Kip is analytical and very perceptive. He is emotionally very deep and can read people/situations really well. His sensitivities can make him susceptible to overwhelm and triggers his super short fuse. However, these qualities can also be an asset and I think they have contributed to his tender heart and wise soul. 

He is a sweet big brother and is very protective of Ivy. He loves her company and they both lean on each other for confidence and security when they feel intimidated or scared. Kip wants to teach Ivy things and has taken on the role of the guiding older brother. 

Milestones of Age 4,

Started school

Independently dressing

Learning to write and draw

First real haircut

Starting swimming lessons

First time attending summer camps 

Mastering the balance bike

 

Sleep

Kip's sleep routine has not changed much this year. He has always been an early bird and that has yet to change. He wakes up every day before 6 am and rarely stays in bed past that time. He goes to bed around 7 pm and does bathroom, teeth, 3-4 books, a song, snuggles, and snooze. He has his sound machine, twinkle lights, star projector lights, and we added a wall night light this year too. He has loads of stuffed animal friends and must always have his Timber and Coonie when he sleeps at night. For the most part, he sleeps through the night but will occasionally wake for dreams or stuffed nose. He loves it when mom sleeps in his room with him and regularly requests the company. He still has a bed rail on his bed and still needs it as he rolls around all night and is often wedged right up against it. He no longer naps but still needs to nap so he will occasionally fall asleep while watching TV or in the car on longer drives.

 

Eat

Kip continues to become more and more picky. Although he loves almost anything we can get him to try, he often refuses food we know he will love. His favorites right now are cheeseburgers, ice cream, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salami sandwiches, bacon, corn muffins, and fettuccine Alfredo. He also likes Cesar salad, apple slices, and plain tortillas. PB&J and waffles with syrup are regular standbys. 

 

He loves Coffee O'clock still but enjoys iced tea as much as iced coffee. This past summer he got into "trapachinos" (Frappuccino) from Starbucks.

Play

Kip's main interest remains trains. He still adores his little wooden trains, Lego trains, Lionel play sets, table trains, and train shows. He expands his play by building elaborate tracks and adding things like Legos to the wooden trains. This year he also started playing with tiny Legos and building sets. He loves playing outside and gravitates towards any toy with wheels. He plays dress up, doll house with Ivy, and will occasionally do crafts. He is incredibly imaginative and integrates shows or movies he watches into his play often. He is constantly asking for someone to "play with him" but he is actually really great at independent play as well. 

 

Things I want to remember about Kip at age 4:

 

Chewing on clothes

Hiding people on Facetime in the bathroom

Swim lessons

Allergist appointment

Reignited the train obsession

Poop/potty talk (ugh...is this a boy thing or a five year old thing?)

First time going to a school friend birthday party

Learned tic-tac-toe and rock-paper-scissors

Missed nearly 20 cumulative days of school for sick absences

First field trips: fire house, flower shop, library

First school bus ride

First time being away from mom for more than 3 days

Mastered climbing equipment at the playgrounds

Started putting his face in the water 

Jumping into the pool

Going to "worky"

Dancing to Candy Hearts  

First "friend" birthday party

Constantly covered in mosquito bites

 

There is such a special place in my heart for this feisty guy. My little Kippy baby. I cannot believe he is five years old and growing more every day. Love you, bud.