My Girl: Kinsley

I’m talking about my nieces this week. Although they are crazy special to me, I haven’t talked much about them here at meanmarie.com. Not that I don’t want to talk about them. I do. I just didn’t have P.O.D.’s permission before now. So I’m talking about them In birth order so no one thinks I’m picking on er ah showing favoritism to any one niece.

Big Daddy and 'No White Kinsley

P.O.D.’s first child is Kinsley. Kinsley and I met a week after her birth. I was out of town for work when she was born. It was Not My Fault.

Diva Kinsley

From the first second that I held Kinsley in my arms, I knew she would be mine forever. I totally bonded with her. I couldn’t not love her. I just couldn’t.

Let me wipe the tears from my eyes. Have a cupcake. I’ll be a minute. *sniffle*

You see, I don’t have children. When Kinsley was born, I really wanted a child of my own. I had updated all my immunizations in preparation for pregnancy and a month before Kinsley’s birth I learned that I would need fertility treatments if I wanted children.

I had decided against that route and somewhere inside I knew that I wouldn’t ever hold my own baby in my arms. Before you get all poor Mean Marie on my behalf, it isn’t necessary. First of all, I’m MEAN Marie. It’s probably best. Second of all, I’m content with my life and my childless state.

Here, have a brownie, you’ll feel better.

My point here is that holding Kinsley was a salve to my childless heart.

If I were a comedienne, I’d say that Kinsley cured me from wanting children.

Funny, right?

Well, I think it’s funny. I’m laughing. No need to be all stuffed up and serious. Live a little. Giggle!

I’ll help you. *giggle* See how easy it is? Now you try. I’ll wait. While I’m waiting, I think I’ll have a cookie.

Anyway. Holding Kinsley and falling in love with her made me realize that God had sent me a precious gift. If I didn’t let bitterness and hurt wash over me, I could know the love of a child. Luckily, my brother, P.O.D., has always been willing to share his children. I love them mightily and I think they love me too.

Katie, Mean Marie & Kinsley

Not many months after Kinsley was born, my sister, B.J. died. I held Kinsley at B.J.’s memorial service and she comforted me so. It’s amazing how a child can ease the pain of loss.

Over the years Kinsley and I have had a lot of fun together. She’s a beautiful person. Inside and out.

Kinsley Wins Crazy Hair Competition

I love her even though she says things like:

“When I get hungry and it isn’t time to eat, I just tell myself that I’m not really hungry and I’m not.”

and

“Look Aunt Annmarie! When I lie on the floor, my tummy touches the floor.”

and

“Can I have your ring when you don’t need it anymore?”

Yeah. It’s hard having a gorgeous niece that isn’t ever hungry and has a good eye for fine jewelry. I forgive her for being blond haired and blue eyed with long legs.

What I want for both my nieces is that they know that they have unconditional love. I want them to rely on their brains not their looks. I want them to grow into healthy, well adjusted women. I want them to be little girls for as long as they can because being grown up isn’t nearly as much fun.

Kinsley

Kinsley, I love you and hope that your life is filled with everything good.

Like ice cream. Ice cream is good.