In The Middle

Oh, my little lover boy. My sweet, sweet middle child. I’ve never met a more tender soul than his. He’s all rough and tumble, but he’s sensitive, too.  He loves to explore the great outdoors and find all sorts of critters, and he is always going on some kind of railroad adventure with his trains. He loves to make everyone around him happy and has this wonderfully contagious laugh. He has this warmth about him that makes you want to scoop him up, smother his cheeks with kisses and never put him back down. He really is just that sweet and lovable!

We hear all the time about “middle child syndrome”. Ethan had to share me with Aidan and then he had to share me some more once Bella graced our lives with her lovely presence. I always worried that, being the middle child, he would somehow feel as if I weren’t giving him enough quality time, but quite the contrary. He’s turned out to be a bit of a “momma’s boy”. At the same time, he’s more independent than Aidan and Bella. As much as he likes to be around us and his friends, he also likes to have his alone time, too. I’m glad that he feels secure enough to go off and do his own thing. I’m hoping this is a sign that he’ll be eager to retreat to quiet places and seek God’s guidance one day.

He’d always been a tad shy and didn’t speak very often, but he really came out of his shell once we enrolled him in Pre-K 3 this past year. Now, he talks up a storm and is quick to befriend just about anyone he encounters. He still has that shy little smile that melts me into a big puddle of goo, though. I can only tell that kid “no” by the grace of God. Those brown puppy dog eyes sure know how to pull on my well used heart strings, and sadly, he knows it!

Ethan’s always got a song in his head and a little pep in his step (And may I add the child has impeccable taste in music). I try to grab as many singing and dancing opportunities as I can! He’s getting close to that age where he won’t be as willing to break into random song and dance. As I’m writing this, I’m watching him run around and sing. Pretty soon he won’t be as foot loose and fancy free. I tear up just thinking about him getting so close to that always dreaded “too cool” stage. Even when he does, I feel confident saying that he’ll always have a soft spot for his Mommy.

Aidan is at an age where he can read on his own and isn’t so hot about me reading to him anymore, but Ethan loves to listen intently in my lap as I read and take him to all sorts of fun places. He loves a good “long” story and asks all sorts of fun questions along the way. The best imaginary trips we’ve had are when we read, “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”. Our favorite spot is in the cave when we discover the bear, then take off running to get back home as fast as we can only to hide under the sheets and vow to never go bear hunting again. One day those adventures will be no more, but I don’t want to focus too much on that. At least I have the comfort of knowing that (hopefully) he’ll remember those special times and will revisit them often, especially when he’s all grown.

I think about what he will do with his life when he’s on his own. Sometimes I envision him at the altar as a priest shepherding God’s flock. Other times I see him married with children of his own bouncing on his knee. He has a heart made for service, and I already see God’s love growing within him. Whether he ends up in the church or with a wife, he’s going to make the people around him feel like they are a part of something special. We still have many years before he has to decide what road he wants to travel, but it doesn’t hurt to start praying about it.

As for now, I’m going to enjoy getting hugs and kisses the first time I ask for them. I’m going to enjoy random dance parties and sing-a-longs. I’m going to enjoy story time and all the extra cuddles that come with it. I’m going to drink in everything about my way too quickly growing baby boy. Ethan Michael, my heart overflows when I think of you. You are so special and everyone that has met you knows it, too. I pray you always have that shy little grin, and that soon you will begin to understand about Jesus and how very much He loves you. May your heart remain pure, darling. We love you all the sands on the shore and all the stars in the sky.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8