My Kids

KIDS & THE THINGS THEY SAY!

I have three boys.

My oldest (MO) is my smallest. He has always been focused, serious, and has a steel-trap memory. A little wiry great athlete who loves the finer things in life: girls, clothes and any stuffed animal that is super soft. Funny how he also has a fiery temper and excels in the art of manipulation! Presently fancies himself as a Momma’s boy.

My middle (MM) son is like fine crystal. Everything about this boy has a pattern with edge. Beyond his years. Often my teacher. There is fragility, studliness, and a big dose of self-awareness. Very modest and shy at first, he prefers to study before reaching out. Great swimmer, and unfortunately for his brothers, a great boxer. He feels everything very deeply and has an affinity for animals. We are very alike. Presently fancies himself as his own man.

My youngest (MY) is big in every way. His head, his tall solid body, his blue eyes, his lips, his laugh. He loves to love and is always the first to compliment. Announces to all that his mom looks beautiful or that dinner is delicious. Loves to eat, and then there is his love for his big brothers. Idol worship even though he endures being the brunt of whatever they decide to do with him. One hour he is the great playmate because he’ll do anything to get their attention, the next he's a punching bag or the victim of their teasing. Never occurs to him that his size would allow him to pummel them. The most cheerful and full of optimism. A humor like an old-school comedian: Johnny Carson meets Jackie Gleason. He reminds me to be so thankful. Presently fancies himself as Dad’s guy.

From when they started speaking, there was so much laughter. The things they would say to us and each other! Their reasoning, choice of words, their frankness; I never wanted to forget. We keep a book in the kitchen. As they say funny things we write them down with the date in the book. Inevitably once a year that book is read aloud, both the old and new entries. So funny. I tease them that I’ll read it to future girlfriends. I probably will! These are some of them.

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  • February 4, 2010

    Conversation #5

    My Middle is almost 5. My Youngest is about 3 ½.  They are playing in a large cardboard box that was a bonus from a visit from their favorite brown truck.

    MM:  “MY”! “You are breaking it!  Your big ginormous head is so big!  AND YOU ARE BREAKING IT! And you are drooling on it! AND your head is so big!

    MY (Still idolizing everything about a bigger brother) says sweetly:  “I’m sorry ‘MM’.”

    MM (conciliatory tone): No, it’s not your fault.  You are just gonna break this box all because of you.  If there is a big head guy in this box, it’s you, right?  (Pause….)  So get out.”

    MY did sort of have a big head.

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