A few days ago we had a play date with a new family. Mia and her new friend, a sweet little girl, played alongside the new girl’s 2 older brothers. We invited the new parents to stay with us and chat. We watched all of our children be children as we discussed parenting and enjoyed some snacks. There was a lot of noise in our house that afternoon. The hearty laughter and high energy that is 4 young children.
It was a great, and rather exhausting, afternoon.
As our new friends left, Mia practically collapsed on the couch. I was right behind her. We cuddled and discussed the day. I decided to take this opportunity to ask her how she felt being an only child. Even though we are incredibly content with our decision of being a One and Done family, I still like to check in with Mia about this every so often to see how she feels about the whole thing.
When I asked her if she wishes she had some brothers or sisters, she shook her head, said no, and paused for a moment. I waited in anticipation for the next words that were certain to flow from her mouth. What would she say? That in fact she does wish she had 2 brothers and 4 sisters? That she hates being an only child? That she loves being an only child? That she wants a cat?
Finally the anticipation was over. She simply said, “I’m hungry.”
Sometimes I’m brought back down to the level of six year old thinking. Oh how I wish every moment could be as uncomplicated and real as this one.
I got our lovely only a snack and sat with her some more. We were quiet for a little while as she munched on her apple slices. The calm quiet settled in our home.
Then Mia looked at me with love in her eyes. She said, “I’m glad it’s just me.” I kissed her forehead and said, “Me too.” She went back to her apples and I once again felt the effortless, pure love that is our sweet little family.
Filed under: Hope Notes, Just for Laughs, Motherhood, One and Done, Parenting | Leave a Comment »










