How did we get this strange shot, you might ask? And, why didn't I automatically delete it? Well I took the kids roller skating last night. It was a Project Care event for deployed families to get together and get out. The older two were on blades...McKenna and I took the good ol' 4 wheels. They had a small turnout...probably a total of about 50 people, but there was a ton of pizza and the whole place to ourselves...plus it was free. Can't beat that.
It was going great...McKenna was doing really well, even skating by herself (1st time on skates), Hayden was having a blast (really, where does he get the energy?), and Sabrina was playing it cool (in true teenage fashion). I was pretty cool, too, if I do say so, myself. I was racing Hayden, skating backward, having a pretty good time. I knew my feet would cry out later, but I didn't care...I was awesome mom!
I wanted to take pictures to remember this cool, hip evening with my kids...and send some to their dad. So, I'm snapping away and hand the camera off to Hayden, so he can capture me, the hip mom, with McKenna. After several shots, he shows me the pictures he took. I, still the ever supportive mom, said to him, "hey, you keep cutting off my head, can you aim a little higher?" His answer back to me made me pause and reflect long beyond the evening. "But, she's the important one."
Now, isn't the mom supposed to be the most important one in her child's life? Especially one as cool and hip as me? Then, I thought, well, at least he reaaaaally loves his sister. That's good, right? Then, moving on...I realized we really do reinforce this idea, and is it a healthy obsession that we all have with McKenna? But, honestly, she's so darn cute! And, really, really good.
My friends always comment on how "abnormally well-behaved" she is. She's so gentle and calm, I can leave her in the waiting room right outside where I'm getting my eyebrows waxed and know she won't move. And when she flashes you that smile, you can't help but feel more than a little taken. Don't get me wrong, she has her moments, her mischevious side. And even gets a little grumpy when she's over tired. But, in general, she's such a delight...that it's hard not to focus on her.
So, I don't blame him...She's a unifying force in our family. I only hope that even though we all really enjoy her right now, the older ones know they are important too. Maybe that's where I need to focus for a little bit. And, hopefully I'll be a little more important, too.
5 comments:
Fun post, Lisa. I called the other day--don't know if you got the message. Yes, McKenna is amazing.
I've thought about this story since you told me about it. Made me think of my two. Often I find I give more attention to my 4 year old because my 10 year old is more independent, she can dress herself, brush her teeth etc. But I think in my 10 year old eyes she craves the attention too. And it is harder still to share yourself when your husband is deployed. But I like what you said about McKenna unifying your family, that is a huge blessing a little one can bestow!
BTW I can't beleive how grown up your kids are.
The youngest always seems to be so spoiled. What a funny comment from Hayden.
We are the same way with our youngest! It is just natural. All the kids adore her and think she is great. It is evidenced by my blog, where all my "out of the mouths" come from the only one left that makes funny remarks...
You definately are an awesome mom for putting on the skates! My kids have tried to get me out there and I just can't! I would be on the floor the whole time!
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