The Second Best Mom in the World
Sep 23rd, 2008 by Alicia
Anna and I have a long standing joke that I’m the second best mom in the world.
Years ago, we went and visited her little friend Mia at her house for the first time. Mia’s mom has 5 beautiful, perfectly behaved children and an immaculate house on a lake. Despite this, I really like her. 
Anna spent the day happily playing in this beautiful house with her wonderful little friend and that evening we were sitting on the roof together.
She turned to me and snuggled up against me.
“Mama,” she said, “I love you. You’re the second best mom in the whole world.”
What?! This took me a bit by surprise but I tried to keep my cool.
“Oh, thank you honey,” I replied nonchalantly. “Who’s the first best mom?”.
“Mia’s mom,” she said matter-of-factly. Of course.
I kept a straight face and tried not to be too heartbroken. Second is still good, right? 
Fast forward a few months and Anna and I were having another special moment. Again, she told me she loved me. Then she said “You’re the best mom in the world!”.
Best?! Wait a minute! I sadly reminded her that I was actually second best, if she remembered.
She looked a bit confused and then apologetic and embarrassed. I saw her searching for a good save.
“Oh, that’s just in house cleaning! She’s the best mom in the world for pretty houses.”
Well played, kiddo! 
(I must say that second best in that category is blatant nepotism though! I’m not even in the running if we’re going by house cleaning!)
I happily accepted that and we still laugh about it. I’ll take second best. It has a certain charm and there’s always room for improvement.
