One-On-One

In our house, 8th birthdays are special. We celebrate big. The baby of the family hits this milestone tomorrow. So, we spent the weekend celebrating.

She decided that she didn't want a party. All she really wanted was to spend 24 hours with her mom and dad. All to herself. And a hotel sleepover thrown in for bonus (because, "Hotel pancakes taste better."). This child of mine craves one-on-one attention. She needs it as much as she needs air to breathe. Thus, her 8th birthday wish was granted.


We let her guide where we went and what we did. Build-A-Bear was a highlight. She also had her nails done at the nail salon and we ate steak for dinner. Mine kind of birthday.


It's quite fascinating to see what happens when you spend time with your child one-on-one. They seem to blossom right before your eyes. They act different. They have the chance to tell you things that never come up in daily conversation. They feel happier. There is no longer a need to compete with older siblings, and the chance to get a sister in trouble never arises. It's delightful.


Stepping away from the daily-ness of family life tends to open my eyes. I watch more closely and see more clearly. It's a shame I don't do it more often. Spending alone time with child #3 gave me a chance to soak her in. And in turn, she relished in her gift of time.


Addie's gift was one that was shared. In her 8 year old wisdom, she asked her parents to devote their time to her and her alone. In a perfect family, she wouldn't have to request that for her birthday. It would be something routine. But in a realistic, busy, crazy family, time is rare. One-on-one time is almost non-existent.

Thus, her birthday gift unfolded to be a present I received with open arms. That was something I didn't expect. But I found that those gifts which surprise and awaken us all at the same time, are the very best gifts of all.