Dearest Middle

Dear Middle Sister,

I have a special place in my heart for you, as I, too, am a middle sister.  And, let me tell you, I have a pretty severe case of middle child syndrome.

You, sweet middle, do not let your big or little sisters overshadow you.  You laugh and cry loudly, always making your presence known.  You play well with your big sister, but only on your terms.  You also play well by yourself, which gives your middle-child momma hopes that you will be more independent than she is.  You have just started really noticing your baby sister.  You love to play patty-cake with her, tickle her, and give her hugs.

You have started showing interest in the potty, and sorry big girl, momma's just not ready for that yet.  You finally had your word explosion!  You talk and sing, but don't get frustrated when we can't understand you.  And, you frequently use the word no, making a cute/funny scrunched nose face when you say it.

Like your Daddy, you fear nothing.  When you fall you get right back up.

When we drive past the park you say "wee" for the slides.  When you see a balloon you say "whoa."

You LOVE school.  Every morning you put on your "ba-pa" (backpack) and prance into the school like a big girl.  You greet everyone you walk past with a deep voiced, drawn out, twangy, "heyyy."  You wave bye-bye without looking back, which makes your momma proud and sad all at the same time.

Just like your momma and my big sis, I think you are going to be taller than your big sister.  Your measurements from the doctor are higher, and at 18 months, you are wearing the clothes that she wore at 2 1/2 years old.  Daddy and I try not to compare you to your big sister.  We know you are your own person... you remind us of that every day!

You are fun loving, playful, hilarious, and just plain cute.  Just as an 18month old should be!