We waited 10 minutes so our kids could have a 10 minute jump. The kids were divided into two groups: Those under "x" number of inches tall, and those above "x" inches tall.
We were mean and made Paige jump with the kids under "x" inches tall. She was none too pleased to have to jump with the "babies".
But her indignation was just beginning.
I was the youngest sibling of two. I was the spoiled one. I still am. Having raised an oldest child for these past eight years, I have come to realize that being the oldest sucks.
For example:
Go ahead Paige and Josh, have fun!
Oh, wait. Phoebe can't climb up the undulating, slippery bouncing surface. Go ahead and keep jumping Josh, you're the middle child and so exempt from just about everything.PAIGE!!!!! COME RESCUE YOUR SISTER!!!!
Thanks, Paige! Good job! You're a great big sister.
Uh, oh. Phoebe fell. Again. Girl is having serious balance issues on this thing. Josh, ignore them all and continue bouncing in your bliss of oblivion.PAIGE!!!! PHOEBE FELL, AGAIN!!!! CAN YOU HELP HER?
Thanks Pai.....oh, no. She's down again.PAIGE!! CAN YOU HELP HER UP.........
PAIGE???
Yeah, you're right. Phoebe is too little for this thing. I'll just get her down so you can bounce and have fun. Before I need your help again. Thanks for being a great oldest child!(I've explained to Paige, many times, that we parents are hardest on our first borns because if we mess them up then the younger siblings will be messed up to. But, in exchange for us being more strict on the first born, they also get all new clothes and toys, and get to have all of best experiences first.
I'll remind this to Josh as Paige drives away for the first time at 16 and Josh is left home pining for freedom. I'll remind him that once upon a time, while Paige was rescuing Phoebe, again, he was bouncing peacefully in his own little world. Now it's his turn for it to suck.
As for the baby? She'll be spoiled. Forever. But that's OK. Somebodies gotta be!)
