You are not just the Middle Child

This is for Courtney. Courtney is my only daughter (and the only one of my three children I was able to name). I try to make each child feel special. I call her my favorite daughter, she is my only daughter. I call Derek my favorite oldest son, and I call David my favorite youngest son. But again, this is for Courtney.

Courtney does not get the best grades in school, she slacks off, I'm still not sure why. But, she is so much like me in so many ways. Number one, she is jealous of both of her brothers, she is the middle child. I understand this role. I am the middle child/oldest (to be explained later). As the only girl she finds it difficult to see where she is special. She does not see where she excels. I do.

I never thought I wanted a girl. I used to think I wanted 3 boys. As soon as I was pregnant with Courtney I knew she was a girl. It made me be a more "girly" woman.

She reads my blog. I kinda wish that she didn't. She knows me well. I guess it doesn't matter that she reads my blog, she still knows me.

I remember when I was pregnant with her, the last few weeks of pregnancy I lost a pound or two. I was huge, make no mistake about it. There was a day (her father went to every doctor's appointment I had) where I lost 2 pounds about 10 days before her birth. Her father and I were in Walgreens check out line. He turned to me and said " You are looking a little light, get the King Size Snickers". To this day, that is the nicest thing a man has ever said to me.

She does not understand how much she was wanted and cared for, even before she got here. Her father and I focused on her before she was even born. She has been the focus, good and bad, ever since. She challenges her father, she doesn't know that he expected this, from the day she was born!

Here is what she inherited; stubborness; smartassness (is that a word? I'm sure she will tell me) she is a tough little girl (she will never reach 5'5). She has battled asthma (and oh what a battle). She is so funny. There is not a day that goes by where I don't laugh at something she says. She does one other thing that neither of her brothers does, she worries about me constantly. I know somehow this is my fault. I sure wish she didn't worry about me. She says she doesn't want children. That would be a shame if she doesn't have any, she would be a great mom.

None of us know how long we will live. But here is what I know. I live on through that short, tempermental daughter of mine. Courtney, you are not overlooked (she thinks she is)! I expect great things from her. I can't wait to see what her adult self brings to the table, it is sure to impress. She just doesn't know it yet.

By the way Courtney, you have never disappointed me or your father. We just can't wait to see what joy you bring to others! You have never disappointed! Middle children don't hear that enough. I hope she hears me now.

Love, Mom.