Girls Rule, Also Drool

The object of my affection was pink and dainty. It hung on a rack at Target with other tiny, adorable pink things, next to yellow and blue things that were passably cute, but not unbearably precious like the pink ones. It was a pink baby dress with matching booties and my shopping companions and I were stopped in our tracks by its sheer sweetness.

My last baby was born 32 years ago today, when Dr. Wagner’s triumphant, “It’s a boy!” shattered forever my unquenchable desire for a daughter.

Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade either one of my male offspring for anything (although, if you had made an offer when they were teenagers…) They are my pride and joy and are the best thing I’ve ever made, even with their propensity to dismantle every piece of electronic equipment I owned. I love them to pieces.

Still, when I pass by the children’s clothing department, I feel a little sorry for myself because I never got to buy lacy tights or ruffly dresses.

On the above-mentioned shopping trip, however, we were on the hunt for the pinkest, cutest, girliest outfit we could find. And by “we” I mean my new daughters and me.

No, Keeper and I have not adopted more children. The “daughters” are my student Jennifer, 12 (whom I tutor through Project Read) and her sister Melissa,10.

This summer, I’m spending some extra time with Jenny and Melissa, whose parents work long hours to make ends meet. For them, coming to my house is a chance to have some fun in a safe environment while their parents work. For me, it’s like having the daughters I never thought I’d get.

In additional to buying and making things for their new sister Samantha, who is expected in September, we go to movies, swim at the Y, and take Corky for walks. We chat about school, boys, and family. I’m teaching them to knit and sew. They are excited about whatever I have planned and even greeted my announcement that we were going to the car wash with a “Yes!” and a high five.

Corky is beside herself when they visit, bounding from girl to girl in search of opportunities to kiss hands, faces, and feet. Melissa has taken over Corky’s care, taking her on potty breaks, filling up her water bowl, and making sure she always has a toy handy.

Yesterday Keeper came home from work to find us happily knitting and chatting on the back porch, Corky panting and drooling under my chair.

“We’re having Girl Time,” Jenny informed him.

Because Keeper is just as enchanted with these well-behaved, delightful girls as I am, he pulled up a chair and joined us.

I am grateful for my boys and thank my lucky stars every morning for the privilege of being their mother. Now I have been granted an added bonus – the pleasure of hearing a little girl say, “I have fun with you. It’s like you’re my other mother.”

© Mary Hanna