"Age Order"

As we began growing our family through adoption, I wondered how the fact that our children joined our family through adoption might change - or not change - the characteristics that are normally associated with "birth order".

What we've observed has been very interesting indeed. The children are very aware of their "age order" (They actually use the term "age order" and automatically line themselves up in that order for pictures, or when we go for bike rides...even if they're just riding up and down our driveway!). Sometimes the stereotypical characteristics apply and sometimes, well...not so much.




While Elisabeth is the oldest, she is only 8.5 months older than Noah. And Noah joined our family only 14 months after Elisabeth joined our family. Typical "First Born" traits don't always hold where Elisabeth is concerned.

"Firsts" are usually "Organized" and "responsible" and "on time". Ahem...these are not the first adjectives that come to mind when I think of my precious Libeth. But they definitely do describe Mr. Noah.

Middles are typically "Flexible", "easy-going" and "social" - but these are a better fit for Elisabeth than they are for Noah.

The "First Born" traits that Elisabeth does definitely have down to a tee, particularly when it is just the four of my children together: "Natural leader" and "Bossy". ("Natural leader" is when she assumes that role with grace..."bossy" is fitting for those times when she is a little lacking in the grace department.)

Daniel was a "Last" for almost three years and he definitely fits some of those typical characteristics: "Risk-taker, outgoing, creative, sense of humor"

But now - for a while - Lily Kay is a "Last" and those typical "last" adjectives that fit Daniel do also fit her.





Seeing as how our next child (or group of children, actually) will be over 5 years behind this first group, they are theoretically supposed to start over...with this next child displaying the typical characteristics of a "First Born".

Birth order or no, it is our distinct joy and privilege to parent these precious treasures and watch their little personalities as they unfold and develop into the people that the Lord designed them to be.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139: 13-16)