Children dressing themselves

This morning I was struck by my children and them getting dressed. Once my children express an interest in dressing themselves I let them. More times then not, I do not interfere (interference may occur when someone is trying to wear shorts in the winter and we have to go somewhere). By not interfering my children have put together some very interesting outfits. I really do not care, I love to see them getting independent. I have also grown past the concern for what others might say about a mom with 8 children whose clothes do not match.

We have a family closet in the basement, washer, dryer, folding table, and everyone's clothes (except Mackenzie) is all in one place. Quincy did not want to go to the basement by himself so I tagged along, and took the opportunity to get Kyler and Cade's clothes. Quincy has many comments about the under wear search, and finally decided on a size 3 pair. The shirt he choose is a 2T and it fits. Quincy loves to dress in layers, which usually means two of everything. He also has some football pants he has worn out and about - these look really funny.

Cael came up and I could tell by his stride he was feeling real good about his clothing choice today. This was a pair of grey sweats and a grey Iowa sweatshirt. Looks pretty good actually, and he made many comments about how it matched. I was proud his pants were on correctly. His wearing his pants backwards as described by Janice in a post last week is a common occurrence. He also used to wear his shoes backwards when I would point it out he would say "that don't matter"

Reegan currently loves to wear these green Ninja Turtle costume pants as regular pants, and pairs them with many things. She has been known to wear pink sweatpants -too long, and a black Lisbon wrestling t-shirt.

Addelynn has a favorite outfit right now, it is a pair of flower leggings with a camo pink shirt. Sometimes layered with another patterned shirt. She wore this to the chiropractor last week and she always feels really pretty in it. Another of her favorites is a dance leotard / skirt all in one piece which sometimes is worn with pants if it is really cold out.

Carter has what we call his Wednesday uniform. He has a certain shirt he wears almost every Wednesday. It reads "I Do All My Own Stunts" If you know Carter very well, you know this is a true statement. He also only has 3 pair of pants he rotates wearing. I am going to need to get him more before we leave on vacation. Moehlman's got his a new t-shirt for his birthday, he put it on after his practice shower on last Thursday and did not take it off until Sunday. He has worn it once since.

Mackenzie has outgrown wearing shoes that are always untied and pants that are always unzipped. Now, it takes her a LONG time to get dressed, especially if we are going somewhere. She says she likes to look presentable. I am proud of her, she dresses nicely and modestly.

Cade and Kyler still need an older person to get their clothes. Cade will try really hard to put them on once you get them for him, and he is really good at taking them off. When an older sibling helps to get him dressed, then you can expect some interesting combos, and once he looked like the Green Giant (less the size).

Dean has always been really good at putting the wrong children's clothing on the wrong child, we have had many laughs over this, usually not being recognized until we are at the event, only to realize Cael is wearing Quincy's jeans, and looking like he is ready for the flood. We really do have better luck when they get themselves dressed.

When you see my children out and about and they are in their personally chosen clothes, please know I love them immensely and as I have learned "this too will pass" and the odd clothing choices which bring me laughter now will not always be.