Birth order has always fascinated me. The first born are driven, the second competitive and ambitious, and the third born spoiled because of being the baby. Of all the information I have researched, some of it holds true; others not so much, but all in all I can see my siblings and me as well as my three children in context to these articles.
I am the oldest of three children. Research tells me that I am a high achiever, a perfectionist, have a sense of responsibility and attempt to please everyone. I have always been the organizer, the planner of things for my brother and sister as we prepared an occasion.
They always have looked to me for guidance in some situations, and in some I am sure I have failed them. It is always my house at which we gather and always with me coordinating the happening. I have always been the chief provider of food, lodging, dining and all preparations. This fact just proves the point that I have a sense of responsibility and dependability.
My oldest son is also cut from this same mold as he has always strived to be the high achiever in all that he does. He was perhaps somewhat overprotected since he was an only child at first and the center of all adult attention. He talked at an earlier age and developed an adult vocabulary. He is always ready with advice to his siblings. Famous first borns include Presidents Truman, Johnson, Carter and George W. Bush.
Second born children and sometimes middle children have someone out front, a pacemaker; therefore, they want to overtake the first child. These children may try to outdo everyone and rebel. They seem to be constantly competing. My brother does not fit this mold. He is more laid back, not really impulsive, never any trouble or conflict.
However, my second born fits this character absolutely. He has always strived to be the best, the first in all that he has done or does. He is our rule breaker and our headstrong one, yet the one who does his best to keep peace and has such a propensity for taking care of his family. I believe he had to determine and establish his place with his siblings before he became positioned in his life. Donald Trump is a second child.
Last born children are often on their own. Siblings do not want to play with them and they have big plans that do not seem to work out. We tease my sister, the last born, that she is the “trouble maker.” She is the one my brother and I have always tried to boss around. She as well as our last born fit this pattern so well. They are very charming and persistent with a tender heart and love for family. They can sometimes be controlling. She will always be known as the baby of the family. Last borns include Jim Carrey, Jay Leno and Katie Couric.
No matter what your birth order, remember that everyone comes into this world in a different place. Your place is what you make it.
Weekly Recipe
I really love to make breads. I am not very good at it but I have devised a recipe that works for me every time I have the urge to bake. I always make it in my small cast iron skillet, making as many as I need for a meal. SKILLET BREAD - 1 cup of warm water, 1 Tablespoon of honey, 1 Tablespoon dry yeast, 4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, 1 t. salt - In a bowl, mix water, honey an yeast an let set for 5 minutes. Add flour, salt and oil and work the dough together. Cover and let rise for one hour. Pinch off enough to fill the little skillet and let rise one more time. Bake 400* for about 20 to 30 minutes depending on size of your skillet.
