There are dog hairs on your binky's, your beloved pacifiers I promised I'd never give my baby before I understood how all pre-parenthood proclamations about child-rearing tend to gather in the forgotten corners corners of your life, like behind the fridge with the half-chewed magnetic letters and old postcards from your single friends who still have time to travel.
As I write I'm letting you eat cracker crumbs from the kitchen floor.
So I can complete a task--please, god just one--I let you play with plastic bags, the vacuum cleaner, mini blinds, wipes, paper...
(Oh, how you love paper: receipts, envelopes, magazines, newsletters, homework, menus, you name it, if its paper, you like to rip, crinkle and chew it.)
...hockey pucks, DVD's, dirty laundry, frying pans, keys, a cork screw.
(Please note: I didn't realize it was a cork screw and took it away from you the moment I did, but I was still the one who gave you the shiny new toy from David's kitchen drawer in an attempt to keep you entertained.)
For a moment.
Just one.
I put you down when you want up and tell you, "Hold on Babe," when you pull on my pants leg, as I sit at the table reading Are You My Mother? with your big brother, Elias.
Elias who kicks you under the table, gives you the stiff arm when you crawl over towards him to play, squeezes your hand when you reach your chubby fingers towards his toys and still, your face brightens every time he walks into the room.
"You're OK," I say when you stumble slightly, bump your forehead on the chair leg, and look up at me with wounded eyes.
I'm sorry, but you're the second child, like me.
Destined by the order of your birth, by never being the one and only, to entertain yourself with little, rely on your parents even less, to forgive the injustices of others, and to bonk your head again and again but keep on going, with that mischievous twinkle in your eye.
I love you just as much, with half as much time.
How perfectly true! I was the most amazingly wonderful parent in the world until I had children! Our second children really exemplify grace and mercy on us.
Posted by: Kimberly | 11/23/2010 at 03:51 PM
what a precious picture. love it! Happy Thanksgiving. love, Valerie
Posted by: valerie | 11/23/2010 at 07:50 PM
Oh I was perfect before I had kids too kimberly:) Grace and mercy, well said!
Thanks Valerie, Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
Posted by: Christy | 11/23/2010 at 08:25 PM
This is perfect for you -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXXm696UbKY
Posted by: Brooke | 11/23/2010 at 09:17 PM
Loved it Brooke, what a laugh, thanks for the link!
Posted by: Christy | 11/23/2010 at 11:07 PM
Your first child falls, cuts himself, bleeds, you run to the emergency room. Your second child falls, cuts herself, bleeds, you run to the bathroom and get out the disinfectant and a bandaid. Your third kid falls, cuts himself, bleeds and you yell: "Get off the carpet!"
It's an old joke, but so apt.
I once took my first child to the emergency room because he was crying and did NOT have a fever. Bless the doc, he took my hand and reassured me the kid was probably okay, sometimes even the ones who do not cry, do!
Posted by: danielle | 11/24/2010 at 01:50 AM
Boy does this hit home. Your posts are awesome and appreciated by so many. Thanks!
Posted by: Teresa Curry | 11/24/2010 at 03:01 AM
Olive is such a love! Her legs are scrumptious!
Posted by: Greta Campanale | 11/24/2010 at 06:06 AM
as the mother of 2 children, i can identify. mine are grown now with children of their own, and i'm sure, they can identify also.
Posted by: sylvia aka heiresschild | 11/26/2010 at 06:36 AM
Good...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyr_KC2dbao
Posted by: sha | 11/26/2010 at 07:07 PM
This is too cute and very interesting article. My kid use to through paper in washing machine.https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&send_id=817789614&email=7cff47bb7cdcb76fbfa15e66c81a1961 So funny!!! They are really cute to do all such silly works. I remember my kid after seeing this article. Had a good time.
Posted by: Kids play | 11/26/2010 at 07:12 PM
My first child is still bossy at 23, and my second child, at 20, is still full of grace and patience. Our first children are achievers, our second children, helpers. We need both!
Posted by: Kathy Sue | 11/27/2010 at 02:41 PM
My first child is still bossy at 23, and my second child, at 20, is still full of grace and patience. Our first children are achievers, our second children, helpers. We need both!
Posted by: Kathy Sue | 11/27/2010 at 02:41 PM
Christy,
Your post made me think of you when I heard a segment on NPR last weekend:
Children who have siblings with chronic illnesses or disabilities
often find their lives are constantly interrupted by medical
emergencies that trump regular kid cares like birthday parties and
soccer games. These children learn at an early age to put another
person's needs first and are often better adjusted in the long run. -
More at http://www.npr.org/2010/11/28/131644645/siblings-of-sick-kids-learn-a-life-lesson-early?ft=1&f=10&sc=17
Posted by: Lindsay A | 11/29/2010 at 03:01 PM
Lindsay, Nick heard or read this on NPR too so thanks for sending me the link!
Danielle--thanks for sharing the emergency room story, it made me smile..
...and thanks all for letting me know you understand!!!!!
Posted by: Christy | 11/29/2010 at 09:23 PM
Tony and I are trying for our second child, and I think about these types of moments all the time. I wonder how much attention he/she will get with her older brother so used to having us 100% of the time.... Thanks for giving me a glimpse!
P.S. I LOVE the pear shirt Olive is wearing in the last pic, do you remember where you got it?
Posted by: massageon | 11/30/2010 at 05:24 AM