To my almost middle child…I see you

In eight short weeks, we will welcome a third little girl to our family.  As we prepare to meet this new little girl, my mind is on my second born, my sweet Adi girl…

You came into the world roaring but soon recognized that the position of demanding daughter was already taken by your big sister. You quietly settled into your role, easy to please and always happy. There were days that you were bounced from one apparatus to another as I struggled to keep up with your not even two year old sister. Always watching, soaking it all in. Waiting patiently for your turn that often didn’t come until your sister was finally tucked into bed. I’d rock you as I stared into your big brown eyes and apologize that I had seemingly ignored you all day. I saw you.

I saw you at six months old.  You were standing, ready to move, eager to keep up with the action. “Sit down! You’re a baby!” I’d command as your face lit up and you giggled your sweet little laugh. How did you learn to crawl, walk, and talk without me coaching you every step of the way?

I saw you last week as you decided you were ready to be a big girl and put on your own underwear after getting yourself onto the potty and never looking back.

I see you reading and rereading Brown Bear, Brown Bear on the couch each night. Running back and forth to the book basket, building a stack of books you’ve read to yourself.

I see your excitement about growing into your new role as big sister. The hugs you give the baby and the sweet songs you sing while resting your head on my belly. “Is your baby coming out today, Mom?”  The pride you feel that you gave up your crib and that your baby sister will get to sleep in your old bed. Your wonder as your voice comes from the backseat of the car, “Excuse me mom! Why does your baby get to go to work with you?”

I see you baby girl.