Middle Child Blues

Today Savannah picked out the book "Middle Child Blues" to read before bedtime. It's hilarious. We bought it when Borders was going out of business (one of the saddest things that happened in 2011) because it was 1 of 5 books left on the shelves when they marked the books down to 70 percent off. It cracked me up when she selected it. She didn't realize at the time that she was the "middle" child. I think she just liked the illustration on the cover better than the other 4 bland-looking books.

After I read it this evening I believe it resonated with her. The child that is either told she's "too little" or "too big."  The child that is often too young to play with her big brother and his friends and then when she has friends over, her big brother and baby sister "steal the show."

Still, she is a relatively well-adjusted child, despite being stuck in the middle. But sometimes I feel like I do take advantage of her resilient cheerful nature and after giving it some considerable thought, noticed I haven't filled up her love tank.. Lately she's been a lot more whiny. She's been quick to cry, and quick to get frustrated. She's even gotten upset at bed time, not wanting to be all alone.  It's been frustrating dealing with the mood swings (I wasn't expecting this for another 6 or 7 years), but when I thought about it, she hasn't had much one-on-one time with me in a while. Her Dad traveled in the summer, then I went away for a week and then school started for Cade--- it's all been a whirlwind.

On Saturday after the boys came back from pest controlling, Little Sis and I went out. We picked out a back pack for her and 1 back-to-school outfit. It was so cute I had to get the same for Ruby.  I'm a shameless sucker for matching my daughters.  Savvy insisted on trying on the clothes all by herself in the dressing room. And then when she realized the dress she was trying on had buttons that needed unfastening before she could try it on, instead of letting me come in and unfasten, she handed me the dress under the door and waited for me to pass it back to her. I'm hoping her independent streak continues into her twenties.  When it was time to change BACK into her clothes, she wanted me in the room, so I had to snap a photo of her next to her new back pack and outfit (Killed 3 birds with one stone in this shopping trip-- she needed a Sunday dress, a red cardigan for Christmas, and an outfit for school. Done in one purchase!)

 She was very particular to select a backpack that had snaps across the front. Lucky for her we found one! And it had butterflies on it, her latest "thing" since she studied them this past summer.

thumbs up for Kindergarten!!! (sniff, sniff!)

We had dinner at our favorite spot--  Zupas. She ordered grilled cheese and cauliflower soup. She loved it. Can you tell?



After stuffing ourselves so full of Zupa-goodness, we indulged ourselves even further and got pedicures. {truth be told, having a daughter who loves all things girly is really fun} She picked out pink and purple nail polish, with sparkles to go on top. Of course. The guy giving her pedicure speaks no English, and I speak zero Vietnamese, but I finally was able to explain how she wanted the polish alternating on each toe, then topped with glitter.  He laughed whenever she burst into giggles because she's pretty ticklish on her feet. The place was booked so we had to go one at a time. She was getting bored but then found the pedicure chairs the employees sit in were just her size, so she had a blast sitting/wheeling around on it, offering to give pedicures to those waiting in line.

{I want to digress for a minute and point out one of the many things I cherish about Savannah.  Kyle and I over the last few years have taught Savannah the importance of modesty-- both in behavior and dress. It's something we feel is important to instill in our children, especially our girls. Before long she will be a young woman out on her own, selecting what she is going to purchase at the mall and arranging outfits wear to school and work. So much of what one chooses to wear is a reflection of who she is and can affect positively or adversely those around her as well. We want our girls to love and respect their bodies, and be confident in who they are, rather than use their clothing (or lack thereof) to attract attention or send the wrong message about their personal worth.   Without even thinking, Savannah always makes sure she leaves the home dressed modestly. On this day it was no exception. She loves this outfit, but wants to be modest and not bare her shoulders, so she comes up with something to wear underneath. She never whines and says, "Mom, but it doesn't look as cute with a shirt underneath or a cardigan on top," Or "Mom, but all the other girls are wearing swim suits showing their bellies!" or "Mom, I'm only 5! It's not like it even matters right now!" Nor does she judge other people who may have a different standard than her. She is firm in her convictions but never high and mighty in judgement. And she's only 5 years old. I learn so much from my little giant. }

We finished off our evening at Target to do a return,  grab some miscellaneous items, and pick up some pop corn, because it hadn't been an indulgent enough evening already.

I quite enjoyed my time out with Savvy. She's a great friend and stimulating conversationalist and isn't afraid to express her fears. She commented on how she was nervous about doing math in Kindergarten because she didn't know what 1,000 plus 3 equals yet.

Tomorrow my little buddy starts Kindergarten. Where did time go?