Wordful Wednesday & A Smile for Me

Welcome to Wordful Wednesday……for more information, see “WW” in  my handy dandy tabber box in my right side bar.

This is me and my middle child, otherwise known as child number 3.

He has an incredibly gentle nature and an amazing capacity to love.  He’s exactly like his father.

When I went into the hospital for an extended stay when I was pregnant with the twins he was 18 or 19 months old.  He didn’t give anyone an ounce of trouble.  He continued to smile and be obedient.  He didn’t throw fits.  He took his naps when he was supposed to and went to bed when he was told it was night time.  He even endured coming to the hospital each day to see that woman (me) who had to lay in a bed all day with all of these wires attached to her stomach, even though it was apparent the visits were not high on his list of fun things to do.

When the babies came home from the NICU they required a ton of attention from me.  I tried valiantly to give all of my children the attention they needed, but Garrett has always been the least demanding and patient one.  So, once I had taken care of the twins and the girls and it was his turn, most of the time the cycle started over again, his turn thwarted, and it was back to the twins.  He never complained.

I couldn’t have asked for an easier child.  I never once had to worry about him getting into trouble.  Writing on the walls.  Cutting hair.  Climbing up on objects that were dangerous.  He was always just around, willing to help, with a smile.

That smile however, would (and still does) turn into a 1000 watt bulb when his dad walked into the room.  For the most part (I was jealous, too), I was so thankful that Garrett had such a strong relationship/bond with his father.  He certainly did not get all that he needed/desired from me.  My arms were always full with someone else. I can’t tell you how sad that makes me.  I can see now that in just trying to survive, in many ways I let Garrett slip through the cracks.  I didn’t cuddle and kiss and love him up as much as much as I should have.  I was so busy feeling pulled in all directions that I didn’t stop and focus on that one child that hardly demanded anything of me.

So, now, when he directs his 1,000 watt smile at me, I feel like I’ve literally been given a gift.  I am so grateful that he is willing to share a little bit of what he shares with his father with me.

For Mother’s Day, Garrett, along with the other kindergartner’s at his school performed a little program for their mother’s.  During the performance he looked at me almost the whole time and flashed me that 1,000 watt smile more times than I can count when I’d catch his eye.  I felt like my heart kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I know that I’ll never forget those moments that we shared from across the room or how they made me feel.

I really am lucky.  It’s moments like those that make me so incredibly glad………so incredibly joyous to be a mother.  Not just any mother though, his mother, their mother.

Don’t forget to check out my Twisted Silver giveaway going on now.

My kids are entered in PBD Beautiful Baby Contest. There are so many cute kids entered. Go on, head on over and vote for the kids YOU think are the cutest.

About Angie

Angie is a CRAFT dabbling, recipe making, WORD loving, sunshine hording, book DEVOURING, Mama to a lot! She's kind of in love with Instagram right now, so if you want her attention, go find here there. {smiling}

Comments

  1. This is such a sweet post, Angie. He really does have a precious smile, and you are such a beautiful mommy.

    What great timing I had tonight… came out of the kitchen to pull your site up and check if WW was up and I happened to be the first one… too funny!
    .-= Genny´s last blog ..How do you know when you’re done having kids? =-.

  2. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Angie. This was the sweetest post ever. And that thousand watt smile of Garret’s? It is pure perfection! I am so glad you have one super duper easy child 🙂 They are a joy…or so I have heard!
    .-= Life with Kaishon´s last blog ..b-b-b-basketball =-.

  3. What a heartfelt and honest post Angie. Thanks for sharing!
    .-= Michelle @ One Crafty Mama´s last blog ..WW – My month in pictures =-.

  4. Love it…he’s adorable…a heartbreaker!!!
    .-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Nervous Talkers??? =-.

  5. HOW SWEET! What a beautiful post!!
    .-= sheila´s last blog ..Spring in M’ StepWordless Wednesday =-.

  6. He is precious Angie and I love this post, thanks for sharing. {[HUGS}}
    .-= Kacey R´s last blog ..{Good to Know} =-.

  7. Thousand watt smiles make a mom’s world go ’round. Lucky you are.

  8. Very sweet story!! What I wouldn’t give to get some of that. Lol.
    .-= alicia´s last blog ..Friday Flip Offs! =-.

  9. he’ is a golden hearted boy 🙂

  10. That was beautiful!

    I actually feel that way a little bit about my oldest- because he was only 17 months old when my middle son was born. And he was so independent that it just didn’t seem like he needed as much from me. And then another brother was born…and it just seems like I made him grow up faster.

  11. You just made me cry with this. It sounds like he certainly knows he’s loved by you no matter how much time you had to give to the other children. You two are gorgeous together. So glad you got those smiles for Mother’s Day!
    .-= Elaine´s last blog ..Stars in Their Eyes =-.

  12. AWww, this is the sweetest thing that I read all day long. That photo is precious.
    .-= Allison @ Alli ‘n Son´s last blog ..What Better Way to Bond… =-.

  13. Precious little Garret. I love that baby, he is such a big boy now. Isn’t it all worth it for those precious smiles!?! Levi is my boy that gets lost in the shuffle while my attention is demanded by other high needs children, it breaks my heart. Great post Angie, good reminder of what is truly important. Thanks…

  14. That made me tear up. 🙂
    .-= Buckeroomama´s last blog ..My Love-ver Boy =-.

  15. You are blessed indeed!
    .-= Angela at mommy bytes´s last blog ..WW – Time for a New Table =-.

  16. Aww, tears, sniff, sniff… He is sure a cutie! I am sure he will capture many a heart as he grows up, not just moms.
    .-= Faythe @GrammyMousetails´s last blog ..Wizards Succeed! What next? =-.

  17. He’s a precious one, your Garrett. How I hope he reads this post when he gets old enough to appreciate your words…and the understanding of his own kind, patient nature…demonstrated from an early age. 🙂
    .-= Cheryl´s last blog ..Way Back When-esday: Duck, Duck, Goose =-.

  18. Angie, we talked about this in Phoenix and you shared your feelings. I think that is why I am crying happy tears for you. I am so glad that now, you guys have a special relationship and get that ‘1000 watt smile’ all the time. 🙂

    Beautiful post.
    .-= Jen´s last blog ..“Dad, Why Are You Not Paying Attention to Me?!” =-.

  19. What an adorable boy, and such a sweet post. You made me tear up a little.
    .-= Angela´s last blog ..WW: Champs =-.

  20. What a sweetheart!

    I think this is why kids need mommies and daddies. It is just too hard for one person to do it all alone!
    .-= Honey Mommy´s last blog ..A Photo A Day: Week 19 =-.

  21. Lovely post … your little boy is precious indeed and you have a wonderful family. Sorry about your email address hassles … thanks for letting us know.
    Hugs and blessings,
    .-= happily retired gal´s last blog ..Wistfully wondering where weeks went … =-.

  22. This is beautiful Angie… and he is a beautiful child!
    .-= Stefany´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.

  23. What a sweet little guy. I love the picture of you two. 🙂

  24. What a sweetheart! How your husband must love being the one for him.
    .-= sierra´s last blog ..WW – Appreciating Our Au Pair =-.

  25. Sometimes I feel this way about my littlest one. Hug them while you can and trust that they love you!

  26. Ohmagosh Angie, this made me sad to think you have felt like you let it slip between the cracks. Even if that is true, which it’s probably not, I can’t imagine he has ever felt less love than your other beautiful children!!! And if it is true, it’s not too late to start making it up.

    Such a very honest and bittersweet post. I am glad I linked up for the first time in forever to this one…..
    .-= Live.Love.Eat´s last blog ..Triple Cheese Mushrooms =-.

  27. Sounds like you’ve got a wonderful boy. I love when my kids smile at me. It’s a wonderful feeling.

  28. And what a beautiful smile he has 🙂
    .-= Mrs. Cox´s last blog ..W/W Vancouver 2003 =-.

  29. Oh man let me tell you, those smiles get you every time. They really do.
    .-= The Drama Mama´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- The Whole Poop Group =-.

  30. What a fabulous picture! I can’t wait until my boys will actually stand still long enough and smile normally at the camera so I can get one that good!
    .-= Emilie´s last blog ..Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, Spray & Rescue Fire Truck {Spring Event Review & Giveaway #41} =-.

  31. It’s so fun to see each personality of our children. He sounds amazing.

    Recording these moment and emotions is priceless and definitely time well spent.

    I love family history and just started a blog called Mommy’s Piggy TALES. But this time it’s the moms recording THEIR youth in 15 posts. Moms will link up once a week from June 10 – Sept. 16.

    My Nanny inspired me to do this after giving us her autobiography and I learned she used to have a pet goat and be quite the tomboy. Her story is a much treasured gift.
    .-= Janna´s last blog ..Do You Want To Be on My Top Ten Women List? =-.

  32. Oh I meant to enter twitter name. Doing that now.
    .-= Janna´s last blog ..Do You Want To Be on My Top Ten Women List? =-.

  33. Oh he is just adorable! And he does have the cutest smile!
    My oldest was 15 months when the youngest was born and in the NICU and I was afraid he was going to forget who I was while I was gone! And I was jealous when he wanted Daddy instead of mommy….coupled with new mommy hormones raging and I cried all. the. time!

  34. That is such a beautiful picture of you, and your son is just a cutie pie. You can just tell by his smile that he is so sweet and sensitive!!
    .-= Alicia´s last blog ..WORDFUL WEDNESDAY =-.

  35. Wonderful picture! He is definitely a cutie!
    .-= Mrs. Marine´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Pink Hibiscus =-.

  36. he is such a cutie!!! that is a great picture of u 2 🙂 I have a child like that as well – so easy going and always has been and I too have moments of guilt b/c his sisters can be so much more demanding. Now that my youngest is moving on from the baby stage, I’m trying to give him more attention and one on one time.

  37. It’s a smile just for mom! So glad he gave you such a special moment!
    .-= Jennifer @ J. Leigh Designz´s last blog ..{Almost} Wordless Wednesday – Birds Nest =-.

  38. Both of you are total babes. (=
    .-= Jo´s last blog ..The Scoop on 95ers =-.

  39. ok that post brought tears to my eyes!
    .-= Pamela M. Kramer´s last blog ..BICO – Jewelry For The Next Generation =-.

  40. Happy WW!

    I got your Warning! letter a little to late. I gave out my password and email to the stupid iPad scam. Luckily it was my old email that I never use. It still went out to all my contacts and now I’m getting tons of junk mail! 🙁
    .-= Amy @ Marvelous Mommy´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday – Blogmania Edition =-.

  41. What a sweet, sweet tribute to your son! And what a great picture!
    .-= Kara @ His, Hers and Ours´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday…Growing Up! =-.

  42. Lovely photo of the two of you. And he certainly seems like a wonderful child. I think we are given exactly what we need, no more, no less. Our little daughter has been the easiest baby. I think it’s God’s way of helping me make it through graduate school with two small children!
    .-= T Rex Mom´s last blog ..Summer Break – Part II =-.

  43. Awww what a sweet photo!

  44. Oh this makes me tear up. I have a middle, and I try so hard to make sure she’s getting the same attention as her older and younger sisters. But the older one is always in the spotlight, and the youngest demands a LOT of attention. It’s tough being in the middle.
    .-= Liz´s last blog ..Momentous Monday =-.

  45. Angie, he is such a handsome little dude!
    .-= blueviolet´s last blog ..Little Tiger – W/W =-.

  46. kids really are resilient, and i’m sure he’ll remember all the happy times that you two shared, rather than the times you had your hands full! he’ll probably remember how caring you were to all his brothers and sisters too! what a cutie
    .-= scrappysue´s last blog ..wordful wednesday: however wet i look in this pic – trust me, i was a WHOLE lot wetter! =-.

  47. That was beautiful! I got all teary eyed and everything! I know that feeling of being pulled in different directions by your other children. I only have three but my middle guy often feels left out. He doesn’t require some of the things that his brothers do. I have made it my goal during the day to try to hug him as much as I can and tell him how special he is to me. I love how he clings to me and wants to cuddle. When he was a baby until he was about 3.5-4 he never wanted to show affection like that to me so now I soak it all in.

  48. I didn’t realize your twins and kiddo #3 were so close in age… My twins are only 19 months older than MY #3. 🙂 Isn’t it fun???
    .-= Christine´s last blog ..Nature’s Cupcake =-.

  49. Wow! That’s beautiful. Thank you for reminding me to take the time to cuddle and kiss my daughter. I don’t have twins or other kids occupying my time, but I often get distracted by other things!

    Blessings,
    Stephanie (Ten Talents)
    http://sweetsavingsincolorado.blogspot.com/2010/05/made-in-china.html
    .-= Stephanie R´s last blog ..Made in China! =-.

  50. He is adorable! Happy WW!!
    .-= Cindy A´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Being Mobile =-.

  51. He is so cute … love his eyes!
    .-= Julie @ Coupon Saving Family´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: My Little Sheep =-.

  52. That is SO very sweet! He is a cutie pie too.

  53. He sounds like a wonderful boy. Congratulations. I too have my 3rd child who is as sweet as yours.
    .-= night Owl Mama´s last blog ..WW: For the Love of Twinkies =-.

  54. A very handsome young man! He’s got your eyes my friend! Now is this a contest as to who looks happier? ~hehe~ Have a great day & try to stop by, I’ve got a secret!
    .-= Xmasdolly´s last blog ..JUST SO YOU KNOW! =-.

  55. This is such a wonderful read about your dear son. He is just a sweetheart. Here’s to more precious moments with him.
    .-= JamericanSpice´s last blog ..Looking At Life – WW =-.

  56. I love this post…..I love it because you are taking time to focus on one child, and your middle child at that. 😀 You have inspired my next three weeks of WW. Take a look!
    .-= Nicole´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday with Maddie Lee =-.

  57. That was lovely. I’m glad you let his 1000 watt smile fill with you joy instead of mommy guilt. It warmed me all the way over here in Florida. 🙂
    .-= Run DMT´s last blog ..Dear Tooth Fairy =-.

  58. this is my first wordless wednesday, so i hope i get to meet alot of new bloggers!!
    LOVE FROM A CALIFORNIA MOMMA,
    ANGELA
    .-= Angela Herrera´s last blog ..TWITTER PARTY TO HELP MONKEY!!! =-.

  59. what a lovely smile indeed! have a great day!

  60. Love your smile and your sons! Happy Wednesday!

  61. how a wonderful feeling to be a mother..sad to say i’m still not! have a happy day!
    .-= webbloggirl´s last blog ..Danube River, Donau by Regenburg, Bavaria, Germany =-.

  62. What a lovely post! I love that look on his face. It says, “Okay…This picture wasn’t originally my idea, but I am loving the attention and will go along with it because I love you.” It is a look perfected at school programs. = )

    What a sweetie!
    .-= Jenny´s last blog ..WW: Tutu Cute! =-.

  63. Angie, this is so beautiful!
    .-= Mama Zen´s last blog ..Not Holding My Breath =-.

  64. Great words about your “middle” – he’s a cutie!!

  65. what a sweet post!
    he is adorable!!!!!!!!
    .-= noelle´s last blog ..w w – feet =-.

  66. What a precious post!! Such a special beautiful little boy!
    .-= Melanie @ Whimsical Creations´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Lilac Festival =-.

  67. What a lovely post! And, I know exactly what you mean. I love being my boys’ mum too.
    .-= If I Could Escape´s last blog ..Stopping to smell the wildflowers … =-.

  68. Awwww Angie! That got me all teary eyed! What a beautiful post to your beautiful 1000-watt boy! 🙂
    .-= Stacy (the Random Cool Chick)´s last blog ..Wordless/Wordful Wednesday: Pteranodon Nap =-.

  69. I am so glad I found your blog! I love this. I am totally not able to share a pic and NOT talk about it either, hahaha. What a great way for all of us to share with one another.

  70. Angie what a great shot and he looks like a very sweet boy too!

  71. Oh, My! That made me cry. Someday when he is bigger and reads this I bet his 1000 watt smile will make another appearance.
    .-= Janelle´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – A Nose in a Book =-.

  72. My kids have their special things they do with their dad, but when they give me a smile like that, it just melts me!

    I love the picture!
    .-= Evonne´s last blog ..Silver and GoldOr Maybe Just Gold =-.

  73. What a sweet and heartfelt post!
    .-= Mellisa´s last blog ..Wordless and Wordful Wednesday – A Look Back at the Week. =-.

  74. What a sweet tribute to your little middle man..and so glad he’s been sharing that 1000 watt smile with you.
    .-= Krystyn´s last blog ..It’s sprinkler time-Wordful and Pictureful Wednesday =-.

  75. Beautiful post. Those middle boys are so sweet, and I can see that 1000 watt smile in this picture!
    .-= Chefdruck´s last blog ..World Peace and Jelly Beans =-.

  76. How sweet and a great photo of you two!
    .-= Heather´s last blog ..Flings Bins (Review & Giveaway) =-.

  77. What a beautiful tribute to your adorable Garrett! My heart swelled just reading it! 🙂

  78. Such a cute picture! And what a sweet boy 🙂
    .-= Stephanie´s last blog ..George Costanza was such a smart guy! =-.

  79. That is such a sweet post. And from the sounds of it, he knows that you love him with all your heart and he loves you.
    .-= Amy´s last blog ..Cinderella Outgrew Her Glass Slippers =-.

  80. What a cutie and he sounds like a great little guy too!! I hope he flashes you that 1000 watt smile a little more often!
    .-= Michaela´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Food? =-.

  81. Susie's Homemade says

    So sweet!!!

  82. What a wonderful tribute to honor Garrett! Such a sweet post!
    .-= mindy´s last blog ..we banned bleach and now it smells like a hoagie in here! =-.

  83. He is so, so precious–and I love your homage to him. What a sweet guy!

    And thank you so much for your beautiful comment over at my place on ‘Master Teachers’ post. It touched me so much–you are a treasure-
    Blessings!
    .-= octamom´s last blog ..Wicked Lil’ Things =-.

  84. Loving that 1,000 watt smile boy!! Oh my he is so cute!!!!
    .-= Rachel´s last blog ..Once upon a marriage =-.

  85. What a sweet post! Beautiful picture 🙂
    .-= Shelley´s last blog ..Free Limeade Sparkler from Taco Bell =-.

  86. Great post! Totally made me cry.

  87. what a wonderful story! thanks so much for sharing!
    .-= anne maskell´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday……well, almost! =-.

  88. Oh, my, what a sweetheart!! You are a lucky mom with that one!

  89. I linked up! :o)
    .-= Kelli ´s last blog ..Wordless/Wordfull Wednesday =-.

  90. Your wordless Wednesdays are lots of fun! Thanks

  91. I could barely get thru this post without balling. My eyes kept filling up with tears and I wold have to stop for a minute 🙂 I so know that feeling, that smile. It truly is the best feeling in the world. My girls have been and probably always will be daddy’s girls. They just adore him, but every so often I am voted in as number 1 parent and I am more than happy to take on the role.

    Your children are so lucky to have such amazing parents. I heart this post so much!!
    .-= jennyleite´s last blog ..The Poppies =-.

  92. Thanks for sharing- too sweet.
    .-= dddiva´s last blog ..And the bad parenting award goes to… =-.

  93. Garrett sounds like such a sweetheart. I love that you had such a memorable mother’s day with him.
    .-= Casey Quilao´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday and BUGS =-.

  94. This was absolutely beautiful! What an amazing love letter to your little boy. This made me tear up: It’s moments like those that make me so incredibly glad………so incredibly joyous to be a mother. Not just any mother though, his mother, their mother.
    .-= Crystal @ Semi-Crunchy Mama´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday {Making Playdough} =-.

  95. That is so sweet, it made me teary-eyed. You’re a great mom!

  96. Such a sweet posting. Happy Wordful Wednesday.
    .-= Evelyn´s last blog ..Cat Friday =-.

  97. Hi! I have a secret that Proctor & Gamble has shared with me & I’m not letting the cat out of the bag until tomorrow! If you’d like to learn more just visit my blog at http://thenewxmasdolly@blogspot.com
    .-= Xmasdolly´s last blog ..JUST SO YOU KNOW! =-.

  98. Found you through A Beautiful Mess and glad I did! Happy Wednesday!

    I feel that because my daughter is so independent, that there have been times I wasn’t on top of her enough, coddling her. Through my pregnancy and birth of my son, she was just so wonderfully independent. She was only four, but she had a quiet understanding of my being tired and too busy. Now she is five and I feel as though I missed out on her transition from toddler to kid. I’m saddened that I didn’t relish in every moment of it.

  99. Kids are such a joy, they really do make a huge difference in our lives.
    .-= Jack´s last blog ..The Race for My Heart =-.

  100. Oh, Angie, that’s beautiful. And exactly what being a mom is all about.

  101. Oh… I totally feel this way about Tess. She’s so sweet and low maintenance that she often gets less attention. But don’t beat yourself up over it. Fact is, 5 kids is 5 to 1, and that’s just the way it is. It sounds like he gets his attention from Dad, and that will make it all come out in the wash. (He looks just like his dad too. So cute.)

  102. He is so sweet looking even without reading about him!!! Would he be available for my 4.5 year old daughter in about 20 years? She’s mighty cute and sweet too! 😉 And I did always want a red-headed child……

    PS: Angie, can you link this newer-ish blog site to your profile? I can’t find it listed there and had to search around for a while.
    .-= CC´s last blog ..I believe in Child Labor =-.

  103. Thanks so mcuh for letting me link up! I have a son named Garrett, too!!
    WW are the best!!
    .-= Carissa Mason´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday "Good Luck for a Grand Slam" =-.

  104. I decided to follow this absolutely completely adorable blog! Thanks again!
    .-= Carissa Mason´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday "Good Luck for a Grand Slam" =-.

  105. Oh, and I linked you to my blog, too!
    .-= Carissa Mason´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday "Good Luck for a Grand Slam" =-.

  106. Jennifer B says

    awww he’s so handsome.

    What a great touching post

  107. That was the sweetest thing I read all day, and I’ve done way too much reading today. Those smiles sure are priceless, aren’t they? Very beautifully written Angie. Have a great day.

    Kristi, Live and Love…Out Loud
    @TweetingMama
    .-= Kristi {at} Live and Love…Out Loud´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Teenage Love via Text Message =-.

  108. Looks like he’s thriving in your big, loving family, even if he doesn’t demand the attention the other kids do. And that smile sure is something else!

    Christy
    .-= Trippin’ Mama´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday: My Baby’s Almost Four! =-.

  109. This is the sweetest post to your #3 child!!! I can’t even image a toddler and twins. You did your best I’m sure.

    What a great gift, a smile 🙂

  110. Awwww…this brought tears to my eyes!!!
    .-= Jenners´s last blog ..Writers’ Workshop: The Chapters of My Life =-.