My Unapologetic Song of Praise to My Daughter, Siena.

I spend a lot of my time tempering my expression of enthusiasm about all things Siena-related. I think a lot about the fact that although her  bowel movements are fascinating to her father and me they are uninteresting and displeasing to just about everyone else. After living in baby-crazed Park Slope for many years as a non-parent, I am keenly aware that the importance one gives to his/her child is generally not shared by the greater society, for example, those two friends catching up over coffee who are not amused by the hyperactive tot running back and forth in the cafe. When Siena does something clever I put it in perspective, reminding myself this is a perfectly normal skill for a child of her age.  I do not hold back my praise to Siena and tell her several times a day that she is smart, clever, fun, funny and beautiful (in that order), but I otherwise tone it down. When catching up with friends I talk about Siena but I don't focus on her. I'll generalize, saying things like 'she's wonderful', 'talking  now and walking', 'she can kick a ball'. In truth, to me she isn't just wonderful, she is magic!  And when I catch myself gushing  I quickly throw in some frustrating aspect of parenting, like she hasn't been sleeping well or she chucks more of her food on the floor than she puts in her mouth at meal time. Maybe it's because I am guilty myself of having judged other moms for speaking of their children like they are the Second Coming of Christ. I'd  smile politely but really want to tell them to reel it in and get a grip. But the truth is I feel the same way about Siena. There are billions of kids in the world, they can't all be the  best, right? But in fact, they are all the best or at least should be in their parents' eyes.  I don't think this brief reflection will change my approach to discussing Siena, I will continue holding back when I am actually bursting for fear of sounding obnoxious. But I will appreciate instead of critique my starry eyed mom friends because they are doing just what they should be doing, falling in love with their children. 


For the record speaking from the heart, Siena, you amaze me. You are a genius and you are perfect. You are funny and gorgeous. You are the embodiment of joy. Your smile can cure disease and your laughter can stop war.  You are all that is right with the world. You are smart, you are clever, you are fun, you are funny, you are beautiful and I love you! 


You have a strong will of your own but you also listen and respect when mama tells you 'no'. You say thank you and always try to share your food and toys.  You are affectionate, kissing all your toys and characters in your books. For a 15 month old you have an incredibly long attention span getting absorbed in stories we read cover to cover. You love to sing and you sing happy tunes to yourself every day.  At nursery, you sang a song and all the other  babies stopped to listen. You love bath time and will splash and laugh until the water gets too cold and you have to come out. When you are happy, you express it with your whole body, flailing your arms, kicking your feet and squealing. You are so curious and interested and excited by new places and discoveries. You are a people person and feel quite comfortable approaching other kids to play. You love when mama chases you. You love to play with balls and cars and babies. When I speak to you, I can see in your eyes you understand, when I tell you you are smart you give me a bashful smile and when I tell you I love you, you know it's true.  Mama and Dada are so proud of you. You surprise us everyday by your cleverness.  You bring us joy we have never felt before.  We love you, our girl.