Perfect Timing

David was the Watch Dog at the kids' school on Drue's birthday this year. Basically, he gets to hang out there the whole day, visit various classes, and help wherever they need him. I brought lunch up and we all ate together. Afterwards, we went and hung out at recess for a little bit.

We struck up a conversation with Reese's teacher (who was about to have her first baby anyday) and the principal. We started talking about babies, due dates, etc. And how they all come when they're good and ready. We explained, "Reese was early (by 8 days). Drue was late (by 2 days). And Tate was right on time (induced on due date)".

The principal added, "You know, they say that's an indicator of how they'll be their entire life."

I thought about it for a few seconds and then just had to laugh. That couldn't be more accurate with those three.

Reese wants to get EVERYWHERE early. She is a clock watcher. We'll get in the van and the first thing she does is look at the clock on the dashboard. "What time are we supposed to be there?" she'll ask, concerned.

If it looks like we are going to make it in plenty of time, she relaxes and settles in for the ride. But if the clock says 10:53 and we're supposed to be somewhere at 11, she'll moan and say, "We're going to be late!".

Now, I, myself, don't like to be late places. For the simple fact that I hate drawing attention to myself if we arrive after everyone else. But it's just sometimes inevitable. Or not a big deal. We were trying to get Reese to a birthday party one evening a few weeks ago. It was a backyard party and they were going to show a movie. Everyone knows you specifically plan activities at the beginning of the party for the guests to do while you await the stragglers. Reese was hyperventilating in the backseat because we were going to be a few minutes late. "You won't miss anything," I assured her, to no avail. But I don't think that's what she was worried about. She just gets extremely concerned and anxious when she's even one minute late somewhere.

Next, we have Drue. I was so uncomfortable with her the last few weeks of my pregnancy. I just wanted her to arrive. And arrive quickly. But even in utero, Drue was on her own time schedule. And I'm sure it didn't phase her in the slightest that she was late.

She's the one on our frantic school mornings that I will find calmly playing a game on her IPOD still in her pjs 20 minutes before we have to leave. You can't rush the girl. If you try...watch out! Being early or on time just isn't high on her priority list. Some mornings I'll say to the kids, "Well, looks like you guys are going to be late today. You'll have to go to the office and get a pass."

Reese gets a horrified look on her face. Drue just shrugs her shoulders. To date this year, they haven't actually been late once. But they've barely squeaked by as the bell was ringing sometimes.

The other day, Drue had a birthday party to go to. (Yes, there are always birthday parties to go to, or so it seems). 20 minutes before the party, we were still at Wal-Mart getting the little girl's gift. Out of habit for always needing to prepare Reese that we're running a bit behind schedule, I automatically prepared Drue. "Sweetheart, we aren't going to make it to Samantha's party on time. It starts in 20 minutes. But we should only be a few minutes late. I just wanted to let you know."

Drue looked up from the lip gloss she was admiring in the check out lane and without a care in the world said, "Ok". Then calmly went back to admiring the lip glosses.

Then, there's Tate. He just sorta rolls with the punches. He is always ready to go when you tell him it's time to go. He's my one that gets up, gets dressed, and patiently plays in his room until I give the "go" signal. He hasn't wanted to be early to school this year, because if they get there before the 1st bell rings, he has to sit in the gym or another classroom to wait. Which he doesn't like to do. He likes to get dropped off right on time, so he can go straight back to his class.

He does like to be prepared for the next day's schedule. He'll say, "When we wake up, where are we all going?". But he's never in a hurry to get anywhere. He just takes his time and goes when he's told.

What an interesting correlation between their personalities and their arrival into the world. Three precious little gifts who all arrived in God's perfect time.