Comparing the two kids, the older and the middle, is like comparing camels and emus. They are completely different beasts. I don't know when and if I'll ever get the opportunity for it just to be the 2 of us again. This curly headed little beast has wormed his way into my heart and I'll miss the luxury of having time just with him. He's an affectionate one, they all are, but he seems to be pure affection. Sitting on the hotel sofa and watching movies on pay per view is enough for him, but only because he gets to be with his mama. There wasn't a lot I had to do to make him content.
That's the thing, when you spend individual time with a kid, you get their full personality. It's not encumbered by siblings or expectations you might have of them at home. They are free to be who they are and to be witness to that is something indescribable. This man cub of mine who used to be my tiny baby is full of thoughts and humor and love and ideas and respect and consideration. My heart swells like a tick so stuffed with his blood meal that it's about to pop.
Everyone talks about the middle kid...like they are overlooked or forgotten or passed over. There is so much beauty in the middle; a simplicity and honesty that likely exists because of their birth order. I don't know how I could be so lucky to end up with a kid like him. I didn't earn it and I don't deserve it, but I'll take him, every single minute I have left with him at home.
Grateful beyond words.
