I know everyone says they love their kids or their grand-kids or, in my case, their nieces and nephews the same. But it just isn't so, or at least not in my case. I mean how could any child be more my favorite then my very first nephew, Booger? It just isn't possible. I was there when Frankye finally told my mother on the phone, no less, that she was pregnant. And I was there for "the pressure" comments and finally his surprising arrival, since he was "supposed" to be a girl. I've laughed and played with him. I watched "Barney" until I was ready to cause the extinction of the last living dinosaur. I remember when I first told him that he couldn't do something until he was double digit aged and when he reached 10 I was amazed that it happened so quickly. He was my first and I discovered how much I could love someone. He'll be 12 this year and he continues to astound me with how smart and funny he is. So, of course, he is definitely my favorite.
Then came Miss Thang, and Booger became my favorite nephew. She was the miracle baby and my "L'il bit". She lived so close that I got to see her all of the time. She was the first one I took on our daily summer walks, when she could barely walk. It was me pushing a stroller and her giggling and chattering. She is such a girl, which is a rarity in our tomboy family of girls. She likes nothing better than pink and frilly and would change clothes 5 times a day if she was allowed. On top of that, she has her mother's sense of humor, so she can be so much fun to be around. I don't always understand her, but I'm her biggest fan. So, of course, she is definitely my favorite.
I missed seeing MissThang 's birth, but I was lucky enough to be in the room for Esay. He had the cord wrapped around his neck, so he was a little blue when he was born. It scared me to death, but the doctor acted pretty nonchalant about it. Seeing Esay today, I don't think it stunted him. It broke my heart when he went to the hospital when he was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I'll forever have the movie in my head of him laying on the gurney being held down while the nurses and doctors poked and prodded him. I know in my head that it was for his own good, but my heart couldn't care less about such practical things. He does things the way he wants to and makes no apologies. Seeing him struggle in school with some less than stellar teachers has ticked me off, but watching him manage to still excel has been great. He has always had such a beautiful smile and is one of the sweetest people I know. Even when he was really little, he would get two of anything so he could give one to Miss Thang. So, of course, he is definitely my favorite.
The twins were a surprise to everyone and not the least of which to their parents. Saint A is the elder of the two and quite the entertainer. He seems to like nothing better than putting on a show with his funny faces and general silliness. When you see how little he is next to his twin, you'd think he would be weaker or get bullied, but it isn't so. He will share but he won't tolerate being pushed around. He is usually the first one to jump in and try something new. I love his adventurous spirit and his willingness to give hugs and kisses. He's my "front man" when we play badminton and he is hysterical to watch. I can always count on Saint A for love and a smile. So, of course, he is definitely my favorite.
Last, but definitely not least, there's Wowee, called that by Saint A for the first couple of years. If ever a child was born with attitude, it was Wowee. He has always been the strong silent type. I think he didn't crawl or walk when Saint A did because he just wasn't convinced it was worth the effort until he saw the advantages for brother. He is more reserved and standoffish from people. When you get a hug or kiss from Wowee you've really gotten a prize, because he cannot be forced to share them. But his giggles are like fairy dust; they make you happy, no matter your mood. I found a couple of David Shannon books a few years ago that had pictures drawn by Shannon. There were a huge hit for the twins, but especially for Wowee. We read them so much that he had them memorized. When his teacher at school tried to read them to the class she had to let Wowee do it because he was saying the words before she could. He loves being read to and so, of course, he is definitely my favorite.
Well, I seem to have a dilemma, but something my oldest nephew told me one time means that I don't have to worry. When Esay was on the way, I asked Booger what I was going to do since I was about to have nephew #2 and I already had a favorite nephew. He looked at me like I was crazy and said "You can have more than 1 favorite, you know". Out of the mouths of babes.
No comments:
Post a Comment