Most of you reading this, know our situation, and Mia had just turned 3 when her older sister got hurt and I had just found out that I was pregnant with our 3rd child. I wanted so badly to make sure she wasn't the proverbial middle child but it wasn't easy. Spending months away from her and having to take time away from her to care for her sisters' needs has always made me feel kinda guilty. I know I am doing the best I can, but it still doesn't keep me from thinking I wish I had a few more hours a day to give her just a little extra attention. Mia has always been so unique. Tough but tender, she will cry at the drop of a hat. Fearless, but the thought of any of us being sick sends her reeling. I guess she just has way to many memories of what a simple trip to the hospital or doctor can turn in to.
When the girls were little, I always tried to take the day off on their birthday and just spend time with them. Of course, now that they are in school it is a little different. We can't stay out of school on their birthday, but I do try to get some special treatment on the day. They ALWAYS choose Mexican for dinner 1) because I ate so much Mexican food while pregnant I am convinced that they are partly Mexican and 2) what is better than the waiters singing happy birthday and smearing whip cream on your face??? So, we planned for Mexican last night and I "thought" I would get up early and make her a birthday breakfast to send her off feeling special. That is what I get for thinking!!
Ella came home from school sick on Monday and so I already had a Dr appointment for Tuesday morning for her. Late Monday night, Sophie started running a fever and was up all night with a hacking cough.....I finally went to sleep at around 3 am. BAM! I set the alarm on my phone for 6 am. Enough time to get Mia up and dressed and make her a quick birthday breakfast before leaving to meet the bus at 6:30. 6am alarm goes off and I close my eyes and think, just 5 more minutes. I jerk awake at 6:31...the bus comes by the house at between 6:35 and 6:40. I run down the hall yelling for Mia to get up. I try to pick out clothes for her but as usual that isn't going to happen. I yell for her to just get something and hurry up. I grab some shoes for her and scream for her to get to the car. She yells, "But Mom, I haven't even brushed my hair or my teeth?" "There is not time for that, just come on!" I yell back. She stumbles out the door, barefoot and out to the car. I jump in the car and squeal out down the driveway. Just as I put the car in park, the bus slows to a stop in front of us. Mia is fumbling trying to get her shoes on. She fumbles, flops.....a few minutes go by and the bus drives away. CRAP!! "Get your shoes on!" I drive down to the next stop, following the bus. She finally gets her shoes on and I shove her out the door with a "Happy birthday! I love you!" Only to look and see that she has her sweatpants on backwards.....FAIL! I quickly send this text to her teacher.
Photo by Brandi Barnes Photography
