The Tides Are Turning

Well, it's starting to happen. I knew it would, it always does. Yes, that's right, Amanda is starting to like Charlie more than me. Why wouldn't she? He's cuter than me, and lots more fun. He plays and plays and doesn't make her eat green beans, one of the foods that she just doesn't like, or make her take naps. Those are all the things I do.

I started to get suspicious this evening when we were cleaning up after dinner. The older kids were on their way upstairs to get ready for bed and Amanda was still in her high chair. Always in the high chair, poor kid. I asked Charlie to clean her up and take her out. He did, and she didn't complain at all while he was doing it. Hmmm, whenever I wipe her face or hands and try to take her out of that chair she cries like crazy. What's he got that I don't?

Then, when it was time to put her to bed, and I put her to bed every night because she's still nursing and Charlie is inadequate in that area, I told her to say good night to Charlie. As we got closer to him she started to push me away, she was in my arms but pushing on my chest, and leaning in towards him. Okay, she wants to say good night. But when I asked her to come back to me she just pretended like I wasn't there, or at least that I hadn't requested her presence.

Most mommies would be saddened by this and I may be just a teensy, tiny bit, but not really that much. Because the words that come to my mind are relief and freedom. Not that I'm going to start making Charlie do everything for and with her, but now I know that he can and she'll be okay. Now I know that if I leave at night or if he has to get up with her that she'll be fine because she finds the same amount, or more, of comfort in him than in me. Now I can get a part of me back that has been wrapped up in this baby for the last 19 months (yes, even before she was born) and relieve a little of the pressure that goes along with being mommy to an infant. Plus, Charlie gets to spend a little more time realizing how wonderful our little baby number three is, and how having her was the best decision for our family after all.