Daddy’s Out Numbered

Last night our oldest daughter fell asleep on the couch next to my husband and I.  We commented on what a sweet face she has and how peaceful she looked.  Jimmy commented that he really wanted her to take piano lessons and of course the cello lessons that I had mentioned I’d like her to take.  Then there’s the dance lessons - ballet and tap, acting lessons, t-ball, gymnastics, art lessons, Spanish and French lessons – I could go on and on.  We’ve talked about all of these opportunities for our girls.  As she lay there sleeping, I thought, ‘she has no idea what we’re hoping and dreaming up for her.’  Of course there’s no point in telling her all of this now.  She’d just stare at us wide eyed and say something like, ‘can I have a juice box?’  On each of my daughter’s birthday I write them a letter and tell them how they’ve grown in the past year and what I hope for them in the future.  I want to make sure they know that we want the best for them, but we don’t want to pressure them.  We totally realize that our dreams may not be their dreams.  They can choose to be who they are comfortable being.  We just want them to be kind, good people first and foremost. 

I remember one time my mom told me that she and my dad had a similar conversation.  My mom said she told my dad that I was going to be Miss America and my dad said I was going to be a weather girl.  Hmmmm,  sorry to disappoint.  My mom told me that when I was young, maybe high school or even younger.  It stuck with me though.  Our parents expectations, dreams or hopes for us have a lasting affect I guess. 

Someday, when Dylan can understand, I’ll tell her that even at the tender age of three I see a little girl who cares if she hurts someone’s feelings, who asks how people are feeling when they are sick or hurt, who protects her little sister, who loves to tell people about her little sister, who loves to be creative and loves to read stories.  She’s sweet and loving to her teachers and friends and everyone is her friend.  She’s strong willed and someday that will be a great thing.  I’m already so proud of who she is becoming. 

Ava is still very young at only 20 months.  Already I see a happy little girl who knows how to go with the flow.  I guess that comes from being the second child.  She’s very laid back, but when she wants something, she knows how to get it.  She’s also very loving and she loves to play with her big sister.  She loves our two dogs.  Maybe she’ll be a veterinarian!  She loves to stomp on the toy piano.  Maybe she’ll be a professional musician!  She is pretty reserved, but quickly coming into her own and making herself heard.  She just told me the other day, ‘I pee pee’.  Maybe she’ll be an urologist! 

What hopes and dreams do you have for your children?