When my boys are awake, life seems so out of control. They’re everywhere. The fridge. My hair. The cupboard. My desk drawers. The bathroom. My closet. The couch. Under my feet. EVERYWHERE!!! If a mom could capture a child’s ability to be everywhere at once, the world would be a happier and much more organized place.
Throughout the day, I study each one. They’re so individual. This astounds me each and every day. They’re raised by the same parents, eat the same foods (most of the time), live in the same house with the same chihuahaus. How can they be so different?
Because they’re so different, I can’t help but play favorites.
Aiden was my firstborn son. He was born 11 weeks prematurely after a stressful, life-threatening pregnancy. He had red hair and a cute little cleft in his chin. The absolute spitting-image of his daddy. We’d tried for years to get pregnant before being blessed with our miracle baby. When he was born by emergency c-section on my 25th birthday, it was quickly apparent to the medical staff, our families and us that Aiden was different from other babies.
Besides his 1lb, 5oz, 12 inch stature, he had a rare condition called Townes Brock Syndrome. Amongst many individualities, he had an extra thumb and a digestive system that needed to be “reworked.” He lived through multiple surgeries, but never left the NICU. His Earthly visit lasted just shy of 6 weeks. There is nothing natural about burying your child, but for all the joy, hope and love he gave to my family and me and the delicate way he held my hand, he’s my favorite son.
Kyan became a part of our family through the miracle of adoption. He’s blonde, blue-eyed, charming and surfer-boy handsome. He loves all things flora and fauna, computers, music and sports. If I was only allowed to describe him in three words, I’d use precocious, intelligent, and reckless. The combination is nothing short of terrifying for this girl.
This boy will be the death of me. If you’re a country music fan, you’ve heard the Chris Cagle song “Chicks Dig It.” That’s my Ky. I’m terrified of the teen years already. He’s so talented in so many ways, I only hope that he uses it for good and not evil. For the “You’re the best’s”, lack of boring days, and gift of motherhood, he’s my favorite son.
Jaxon is my sidekick, a true mama’s boy. He looks like me, but is the strong silent type like his dad. He’s got a sweet little lisp that makes your heart melt. He loves music, cuddling, movies and sports. His terrible two’s have turned into thunderous threes. He storms through the house like a tornado. Jax is my mess maker. For some reason, he can’t get enough of pouring stuff out from spices in the cabinet to popcorn on movie night.
He’s a quiet, patient plotter. He’ll watch and wait, and when the moment is right, he strikes. It’s simply diabolical. The worst part is, he knows that he’s absolutely, and quite devastatingly, adorable. The boy has mastered a puppy-dog eyes and “I love you” combo that challenges even the hardest veteran mom. For his tender hugs, inspiration to shop and sheer teddy-bear factor, he’s my favorite son.
Devin is my baby. Even when he’s 50, he’ll still be my baby. He’s got his daddy’s baby blues and my personality. He loves music, dancing, rocking with his dad and singing with his mom. He’s always been small for his age, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in moxie. If you judged him on looks alone, you’d think that he’d be the underdog when it comes to the fellas in the Cooper clan, but you’d be sorely mistaken. Devi does NOT tolerate being bullied, and frankly, because he’s still pint-sized, I think it’s hilarious. I’m sure we’ll revisit this in a few years, and my view will have changed.
Unlike his brothers, he doesn’t play favorites when it comes to his parents. Ky has always gravitated to his dad and Jax is my shadow. Devi likes to keep both of us on a short leash. If one of us is holding him, he reaches for the other. He clearly dominates the roost these days. For his naughty grin, spunk and the way that he completes my family and me, he’s my favorite son.
My boys are my life. I would do anything for them. They make the world turn and the sun shine. They are my legacy. I’m truly blessed. Can you tell they’re asleep?
What makes each of your kids your “favorite”?
