The Middle Child

My dearest cousin recently posted on her blog how the middle child is always there but never quite the center of attention. How true that is for my Maycie. She's always trying to get noticed, whether it's by drawing an amazing picture or by peeing on the floor after I've watched her do the potty dance for a half hour and told her to go four times. My middle child who always chooses the name "Danger" or "Kill" for her pretend play. My middle child whose love for potty humor is never far from her mind. My middle child whose vivid imagination makes it difficult for her (and me) to determine what is reality and what is not. My middle child whose raspy voice and incredible lung power makes her the loudest thing in our house (or store or church). My middle child whose love of discovery and exploration always seems to leave a path of destruction in her wake - whether it's permanent marker on my new leather couch or experimenting what with various household objects that will float and sink in her bath. My middle child whose daring sense of style always has me wondering (with some nervousness) how she'll dress as a teenager.

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My favorite child rearing book "Siblings Without Rivalry" suggests not to refer to your children by their birthplace in the family. So from here on out my middle child is my amazing Maycie. I love you, my amazing Maycie. You keep things so interesting. I love your sweet hugs and kisses that are reserved just for me. I love your ability to make me laugh. I love to watch you explore the world around you and how you fit into it. I love your sweet angelic face and shockingly blue eyes. My amazing Maycie, I love your creative songs and sweet prayers that tell me what a strong and passionate spirit you have. I love your appreciation of comfort and the good things in life. I love your patience with me when I can't seem to break away long enough to play your favorite game, "doggie".

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Thank you for being a part of our family. I love you, my amazing Maycie. You may not always be the center of attention, but you're always in the center of my heart.

Love, mom.