Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Middle Child


Do you know who the middle child is in our family? You might think there isn't a true middle child since we have twins. But Isabel was born first, and is technically the middle child. She is proof that birth order means something, even if it is only by 2 minutes.

Isabel is the one who will never let you out of her sight. She is not just a Mama's girl - she's a Daddy's girl, a Grandma's girl, a Grandpa's girl, and an "anyone who will pay attention to her" girl. My favorite thing about Isabel is that she loves everyone she meets. The first time she meets you, she'll give you a kiss goodbye. On the lips. And she won't let you try to give her your cheek.

I love how different Isabel is from her sister. I love Isabel's tan skin. I love her little petite frame. I love it when she whispers secrets in my ear. I love her obsession with chapstick. I love how she can translate for Adam when I can't understand him. I love it when she "mothers" both her little brother and her older sister. I love/hate that she never stops talking. It can drive you crazy, but at the same time it just makes her Isabel. And I love to joke about how crazy she'll drive us with all of that talking when she's 13, 14, 15, 16. Basically forever.


Of all the kids, Isabel is the most delicate. If she gets hurt, she'll cry on the shoulder of the first one to comfort her for a minute, and then she'll ask for someone else. Just one comforter is not enough. She is not coordinated, and is the worst driver I've ever seen. We have one of those battery-powered cars that goes 1.5 miles/hour, and she doesn't steer. She just pushes on the gas, but goes in circles or runs into things because she never moves the steering wheel. Shouldn't a 2.5 year old have figured that out by now? I have a feeling she may have inherited my driving skills.

I have to give Isabel props for being a super speedy potty trainer. She basically forced us to potty train her at the beginning of the summer, and she did it in just a few days. She wants to be like Anna, and this was just the beginning I'm sure!



I love Isabel's relationship with both Anna and Adam. In the past few months, she and Anna have reached the stage of really playing together. Now that Isabel can talk, she'll say, "Wanna play dollies Anna?" I love that she'll tease Anna when asked to play by saying no. After Anna begs and pleads, she laughs and says yes eventually - all so she can have a little bit of the power. She and Adam have a special bond, and I love to listen to them chatting in their room. I love how she looks for Adam when she wakes up, and gives him a hug if he's sad.

Most of all, I love how much Isabel loves me. I can just feel it in her squeezes - and because she is literally always by my side!

7 comments:

Tiffani said...

awe! these posts about each kid are so cute and so sweet. It makes me want to do one too. But, i am definelty not as good with words. :o) Can't wait for the next one.

Ellie said...

Oh I love it! It makes me want to have kids like yours! It makes all the screaming and whining totally worth it huh!

Carilly said...

aww, all of your kids are really sweet!

super sweet and way cute!

we'll see you thanksgiving!

Allison said...

Yep Ellie, it does make the whining worth it! I think that is why I've been doing these posts - to remind myself of how cute they are. It is hard to remember that on hard days, when it seems like someone is always crying, or fighting, or whining!

Jill said...

You have the cutest chitlins! Enjoy the whining. I remember taking Cait to kindergarten and thinking it would be FOREVER before she was in high school. She graduates this year..... :(

The Barb Chronicles said...

What a cute post, and such a good idea, to spotlight the loves of the kiddies. Which by the way your kiddies are stinkin' adorable.

Sabby said...

Izzy is super duper cute! I love her talking because every time I call the house she wants to talk to me on the phone, I love it! Can't wait to see you all in a few weeks!