So interesting to watch the personalities of little people develop. Early this morning before the rooster, we will most likely receive next week in the mail, would crow we heard the calling of a sustained note. In the song, “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better,” from Annie Get Your Gun, there is a measures long note claiming any note you can hold I can hold longer. This came immediately to mind in comparison as we tried to ascertain the 5 second long siren’s level of immediacy and need.
After a beat our 4 year old proclaims into the darkness of their shared bedroom, “Pay attention to me, Max!”
“I am.” the 6 year old replies in an even yet kind voice.
For those who know him this story is not surprising. If I had known his true personality when as a fussy baby nightly refused comfort I might not have had more children. As it was, we decided we had probably hit rock bottom with this gift from God and the challenge of raising an infant couldn't get any worse. A few times in his babyhood he had me convinced with his weeping and wailing he was severely ill and I rushed him to the doctor. Now we know he is a bit of a dramatic and armed with an otoscope I can make a better judgement about his true health care needs.
The same characteristics that make him a challenge to parent also make him enduring. He is a favorite of many. He is outgoing and entertaining. He seems to have a special place in the hearts of “women of age”. I must put much effort into exuding positive vibes to him as he can turn moody and cross around negativity.
So, in many ways it turns out he is easier to parent than we thought. An emotional outburst of uncontrollable sobbing which induces hyperventilation is much easier to read than my child who solemnly gazes at me expressionless. We never have to guess what he is thinking.
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