I've come to realize that 3rd kids are lemmings.
I suppose you could say the same thing about 2nd kids too.
Lucky for me, Quinlan's only major offense was doing a Jackson Pollack on my in-laws' guest room wall and carpet.
And between you and me, I really can't fault her that much for it.
Karma. Sweet inky karma.
Since then, she's taught her brother how to properly use the words "amazing" and "understandable" correctly in a sentence, empty the dishwasher silverware tray (probably so she doesn't have to do it), and share with her - particularly his candy stash and other covetable possessions.
In fact, she's got him so whipped that he insists on bringing home a pink balloon for her every time we go to Trader Joe's while she's in school.
Clearly she is using her oldest child power for good.
Or her good.
But little Miss Margot has become a lemming of the very worst kind, thanks to her mischievous older brother.
I mean, Quinlan never really thought to pick up crayon or pen, let alone draw on the walls and cabinets with it at 15 months. And she sure as hell wasn't lobbing large toys around that should not be thrown lest you want some sort of rogue vasectomy.
Then there's the screaming matches and food fights, always at the most convenient times - like when you're just about to shove that first, precious bite of warm food in your mouth.
There are a few benefits. I mean, I have one of the cleanest bathroom floors around, thanks to the bi-nightly bathtub water battles.
And I'm pretty sure Margot could take on anyone even double her weight in a wrestling match, though I'm guessing pinching and back slaps are illegal moves.
But really, it's like I'm dealing with clones, little naughty clones whose mission is to take me down - the Gulliver to their Liliputians.
But through all this, she remains oddly silent, except for the well-timed "uh-oh" as in "uh-oh dude get the hell out of here while you can BRO SAVE YOURSELF I'M THE CUTE SMALL ONE THAT DOESN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND TIME OUTS AND CAN'T TALK BACK YET."
Hmmm, well, now that I think of it, she's sounds less like a lemming and more like a freaking genius.
soon enough, Margot will identify her sisterhood with Quinlin, then brother in the middle better watch his back.
Posted by: mom, again | February 22, 2010 at 03:57 PM
OMG! How cute! I wish Monkey would start talking so I knew what was going in in that little mischevious mind of hers. Especially when she looks at me with one eyebrow raised and a half smile while doing something she knows she shouldn't.
Posted by: Jeannie | February 10, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Mine can find anything he wants, do anything he wants and manage to look completely innocent while doing it. He also still wakes up at least twice a night. At 16.5 months.
Somehow I still tell people he's easier. Maybe the third kid also takes away memory?
Posted by: Issa | February 09, 2010 at 06:53 PM
An eeeevil little MASTERMIND.
Posted by: The New Girl | February 09, 2010 at 05:30 PM
She already knows the power of the "uh-oh"-with-a-smile combo. This will serve her well all her life! =>
Posted by: Stacia | February 09, 2010 at 04:15 PM
My 4 year old daughter has learned to say "ooh laa laa" anytime she sees a bra or half naked woman from her 3 older brothers. Oh, & she can hold her own, I fear for any boy who tries to mess with her!
Posted by: Kari | February 09, 2010 at 08:29 AM
Haha this made me laugh. My third child was a daughter and she was tougher than either of her older brothers.. She once kicked one brother in the jaw when she was about 5 and abscessed his tooth.. honestly I am surprised they all lived. :)but they did and now they are 18,20 and 22.
Posted by: s | February 08, 2010 at 04:19 PM
I've always referred to my first as my angel, and my second as my comeuppance.
Posted by: julie @ Mommy Said What? | February 08, 2010 at 03:22 PM
My little brother (the youngest of three) was definitely the most devious and unruly kid in the house. And my little sister (the middle child) definitely encouraged him by teaching him to lie, curse and throw things, only to be shocked time and again when he exceeded her example in every way.
Of course, I, the oldest sibling, was an absolute saint who never, ever did anything wrong ;)
Posted by: Jaelithe | February 08, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Yup, Children of Nihm, they are these third babies. FInley leaves me speechless, sometimes with pride other times with begrudging admiration of her freaking ballsiness.
Posted by: amanda | February 08, 2010 at 10:52 AM
lol! she sounds very smart! :) I think you nailed it on the head. ;)
Posted by: Shweetmamajae | February 08, 2010 at 09:15 AM