Five wishes for my daughter

When I became pregnant with my daughter, two years ago this October, I wished so hard that she would be born healthy.

Being the suspicious type of woman that I am, I would catch those fluffy white floating seeds, close my eyes and wish for my baby’s health, then let the seeds float away on the breeze again. Every kick would bring a sense of comfort, even if it was poking right up into my ribs, as I felt safe in the knowledge my unborn child was very much alive inside me.

And then she was born.

And the wishes became about more than just her health. I now find myself wishing all sorts of things for my daughter, on a daily basis. Here are the top five:

1) Non-wonky joints

If you’ve come here before, you’ll know my daughter is a late walker. And by late, I mean very late. At almost 22 months, my toddler is of the non-toddling variety, which regularly leads to tantrums. It’s frustrating not being able to walk when all your mates are running around, apparently.

Earlier this month we found out the reason for the non-walking. Hyperflexible joints is the issue. Our daughter is too flexible to walk. This means she needs treatment and, possibly, special shoes. The extent of the problem should be made clear when she has a physio assessment.

So, at this moment in time, when I’ve spent an afternoon negotiating tantrums and explained to my very independent little girl that she can’t let go of my hand if she wants to walk around in the garden, because she can’t walk…. Well. I just wish those joints were non-wonky ones.

2) Sass

Not too much. But enough to stick up for herself and be proud to show who she is – whoever that turns out to be. A bit of sass is a good thing, in my opinion.

3) Good taste in shoes

Because a decent pair of shoes will get you far in life.

4) Good taste in partner

For the same reason as above.

5) An appreciation for family and the important things in life

If I could bottle the one thing both myself and my husband have taken away from our respective childhoods, it would be the importance of family. We may not live near our parents, brothers, sisters, best friends, but they’re always with us. Either on the phone, Facebook or in thought. Those are the important things in life. The people we love. I hope I raise my daughter to appreciate this.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say the appreciation for family goes further than the appreciation for a good pair of shoes.

Controversial, I know.

***

This post was written for this week’s Listography. Pop over to Kate Takes 5 to peruse the other entries.