That Middle Child

If you have enough children, you're bound to experience the joys of parenting a "middle child".

Coming from a family where there were only 2 children, this was all new to me!  My husband on the other hand, IS a middle child (he has an older brother & a younger sister - CLASSIC middle child).  When my third child began acting, um.....like an alien had taken over her sweet lil' body!!!......he was a bit more prepared than I.

Meet our Talitha:

Tali taste-testing her first batch of 4H cupcakes.

Practically perfect in every way!

(well.....except for that whole "being a human being" thing....)

Besides that, she's awesome!!

She is also a "middle child".  Isaac is first, followed by Selah (both display characteristics of a first-born).  Then there's Tali ~ followed by 3 younger brothers.  So she's the baby girl, yet older sister to 3 more boys.  She has TWO trying-to-be-the-boss, older siblings.  She can get *so* stuck in the middle, it ain't even funny.

Poor thing.

Tali's decorated cupcakes!
She is bound & determined to learn new skills,
often YEARS before she is truly capable.

Yet when her behavior begins to drop in a negative way.....whew, watch out world!!
I have had to learn how to mother her in a completely different way than my other children.
She demands a lot of attention.  Not always in a bad way, not always with negative behavior, but that NEED to be heard is obviously there.  She will not be kept in the shadow of anyone, nor will she quietly sit by while others pass her by.

She is incredibly stubborn, um, determined, and amazingly hard-working.  I'm often in awe of her, especially when she is facing any type of challenge.  Give that girl some time, and she WILL figure out how to get it done!

American Girl paper dolls ~ an afternoon project.
Momma & Me time!

She requires "Momma & Me" time, time that I love to give her whenever possible.
She also requires consistent parenting, knowing *exactly* what to expect for specific behavior - if you give her an inch, she will take two miles!

She is sensitive.  She is empathetic.

She shows her love with actions.  Acts of love.
She can also be a little manipulator!
(what's the positive word for "manipulator" - problem solver?)

Tali with her 3 younger brothers.
Oh my, does she enjoy "mothering" them!

She has brought such joy to our lives.  She has also brought us to our knees in prayer.

Again, and again, and again.
Frustration, even anger.
Amazement, joy, love.

*sigh*

I'm tired just typing all of this.....

A spur of the moment "tiara" for my princess.

I am so thankful we were given the opportunity to parent such a wonderful, challenging, beautiful child.

She is a blessing!

p.s.  That's Talitha there in my signature pic.  She is the only red-haired, blue-eyed child in our family.  This distinction makes her truly happy!  :)