The Upside of the Downside

I don’t have a favorite kid.  Honest!  Ok, that isn’t true, I do have favorites.  Kylie is my favorite to hang out with in the kitchen, my favorite to shop with, my favorite to watch TV with.  Macie is my favorite to work outside with, read with, and my all time number one play dough partner.  Colt is my favorite to go exploring with, be it in our own backyard or a museum.  He’s the one I love to pray with too…he has such a sensitivity to him that amazes me when he prays, he sounds so wise and thoughtful.

In spite of my favorites, I try very hard not to let on.  I don’t NOT do any of these things with the other kids.  I don’t NOT enjoy it with the other kids, either, but there is just something that clicks more with one than another, if that makes sense.

 Anyway, tonight Macie was in our room watching cartoons.  I asked why, she said Daddy told her she could.  I said “Really?  How come?”.  She said “Because, I’m your favorite kid!”  I had to laugh, of course, but instead of correcting her, I told her she was right.  It dawned on me that it might feel pretty great to each of them to at least *think* they’re the favorite.

Just in case word got out about Macie being the favorite, I had to cover my bases.  I went and found Kylie and asked if she would give me a makeover.  She was happy to oblige, of course.  While she did I told her she is my favorite six year old girl.  My favorite make up artist, and my favorite shopping pal.  I told her that I don’t just love her; I really, really like her too.  I named as many of the things I could think of that make her unique, and make me proud. 

That left Colt, who was fast asleep already.  I figured what the heck, we’re on summer break, it’s worth waking him up.  I did, and when he asked why, I told him I wanted him to know he’s my favorite son.  That I love the little man he is, and I am so excited to see the man he becomes.  I told him how much I appreciate his thoughtfulness, his tenderness towards me and the girls, and the sweetness deep inside that allows him to rough it up with his friends and say goodbye to them with a hug and an “I love you, buddy.”

I realized tonight that it’s ok to have a “favorite” kid.  I think it means a lot to them to know that although there are three of them and one of me, they each have their very own special place in my heart and are in some way, my favorite kid.