"Do you want to know what makes me happy?", Cassidy asked from the back seat of our car.
I peeked at her in the rear view mirror and sighed. This was probably the 312th time she had asked me this question in the span of 10 minutes.
Her answers had already included such things as: macaroni(or as she calls it "macagonis"), playing outside, eating carrots, climbing and the bath tub.
Ok, I can listen to one more answer. One more, that's all. "What's that, Hun?"
"Kissing Dylan", she answered. I craned my neck so I could smile at her. And like they've been known to do recently, each in their own car seat, arms stretched across the backseat, they were holding hands.
It's true. She adores her baby brother and really, I think she always has. From the very first day we brought him home from the NICU, she has treated him well. Like gold. She is gentle, caring and generous. She shares her best toys with him, feeds him Pediasure from his straw cup, and throws away his dirty diapers. She worries when he is upset. She wipes his spit up (seriously, she likes to!) and puts his socks back on when he pulls them off.
Oh, she's not perfect and I'm sure she gets quite frustrated at times. Jealous, even, and I do not blame her, for she has had to learn how to share. Share her time, share her parents, share her life. Not to mention, sometimes there is extra sharing that is required when you have a little brother with...well, a little something extra.
She is 3 years old and has her fair share of willful moments, of willful hours, days, even. She will fight for attention when she feels she needs some and boy does she like to test me. It is me who is tested, though. Not her brother, for there is always love for Dylan.
Last night as she plucked rice from her plate and dropped it on the floor below, she looked at me and asked, "What makes you happy, Mommy?".
I looked at her and without hesitation answered, "You.".
20 comments:
That just brought tears to my eyes! We have so many days that can be trying and my girls always come back at me with, "Mommy, but I love you!" because they know that will make me smile and forget all about the stuff they do. The love between siblings is so wonderful to watch. Foster that relationship between them.
Just beautiful! Dylan is a lucky little brother!!
Ah, so cute. My youngest girls hold hands across the backseat, too. Priceless.
And...you've made me cry again. Do you know how precious it is for a child to be told something like you said to Cassidy? Laurie, that is gorgeous...and so important. You are absolutely amazing. It's not surprising that your children are as well.
That is the sweetest thing, aww. Just made my day. :)
So sweet!
And Ella calls it "macagonis" too.. haha
Tears!!! Thanks for sharing.
That was such a fun little story. And I'm so impressed by Dylan's signing. Holy smokes, smart kid! Hey, on a side note, have you read "Expecting Adam" by Martha Beck? I was resistant when a friend offered it to me. Another depressing book about Down syndrome. Been there, done that. But it's awesome! So uplifting. I'm disappointed that I'm just now reading it, and Leah's already 10 months old. It would have saved me a lot of worry and tears had I found it earlier. I'm buying it for friends and family for Christmas to give them some insight into the magical 3rd chromosome! Just a little tip I wanted to share. Take care! Tara
Laurie, Your kids are so lucky to have such an amazing woman to raise them with love, patience, and kindness. You inspire me to be a better mother. I love this little story about Cassidy. What a sweet girl.
What a totally amazing post! Dylan is such a lucky boy! Cassidy is such a little gem showing her love and affection towards Dylan. Wish we could bottle all that sweetness up and bring it back on those trying days when you want to throw in the towel. Thank God for siblings for they are truly priceless.
oh, what a sweet post.
Absolutely precious! Your children are so lucky to have each other and you! Thanks for sharing! Tissue please........lol:)
your family makes my heart smile. Sometimes I think you are the luckiest of all of us Laurie. It's cost you a lot, but the rewards are SOO worth it.
I LOVE that. It reminds me of my 4 1/2 year old, Greta, holding hands with John Michael in the car. They have a mutual adoration for each other... and you're right, they're not perfect, but 9 times out of 10 there's a lot of love to be shared.
Awww =) Cass sounds like a great big sister.
Aaaawwww!!
What a touching post.
Just priceless.
So cute! I love kids. Mason used to call macaroni "nanungi" ... said "na-nun-gee" ... LOL!
so sweet! you HAVE to take a picture of them holding hands!
That is so sweet. I hope #2 is just as welcome here when he/she arrives.
I'm all teary eyed now. What a beautiful post.
Post a Comment