Ming adored Gutsy9 to begin with but over the weeks I have noticed a subtle change in Ming’s attitude. He’s been saying things like this:
– Get RID of him, Mum!
– He’s making a mess!
– No, I don’t want to babysit him!
– How come you’re always cuddling him – what about me?
– Why do you have to take him everywhere with you?
– You’re turning him into a spoilt brat!
– You love him more than you love me!
– No, yes, oh okay I am a bit jealous – WHO WOULDN’T BE!
Tonight is Gutsy9’s third night camping outside with a couple of new friends and I am just as anxious as I was the first night. When I mentioned my concerns to Ming, he yelled, “Well, good riddance and I hope he stays out there forever!”
“Wait until you have a child and you’ll know what it feels like,” I muttered under my breath but, unfortunately, Ming heard me.
“Mum, please, seriously, who do you love most – me or him?”
I pretended to think for a bit … “You, Ming.”
“THANK GOD!” he said, giving me a hug.
[Note: For anyone who doesn’t realize, Ming is my 19-year-old son and Gutsy9 is my 4-month-old peacock.]
jmgoyder 
I love that Ming is so honest – I often think my family loves our stupid cat more than me–when I ask my husband he gets a stupid look on his face, like “I know what the answer is supposed to be, but should I lie?”
That’s hilarious!
LOL LOVE IT!
Ming really IS jealous – haha!
You made me laugh… Oh dear Ming! I know this feeling, š I say this too to my love because my cat loves him so much and of course my love too…
Haha!
Wonder what Gutsy9 would say if he could talk…???
He would probably talk about having an identity crisis!
I’m speechless (again)!
(How adorable is your Ming…..or Gutsy9…..or your Ming….or Gutsy9…..I don’t know…..both your children are pretty cute, I have to say).
At times I actually do prefer G9 but don’t tell Ming!
That’s funny..but I’ll bet if anything happened to his little ‘brother’ he’d be upset!…Diane
I think so too!
This was so fun to read. I smiled so much, I loved it! :)))
Thank you!
Lovely story.
… my daughters always accuse me of loving Ellie, the wonder pooch most…. I smile and say… well…. she doesn’t talk back, but come to think of it, she doesn’t always do what I say either!
I just JUST going to post what Louise said- I have been accused of loving the cat more and I’ve replied that he never talks back- not to mention, he never misses the bowl …errrr, box. š
I loved this story. š
Ah, this seems to be a common predicament – ha!
Yup, I get yelled at by the baby girl “You spoil Jack!. When are you going to punish him for his accidents in the house!” The baby boy chimes in “When are you going to stop spoiling him with treats!” I reply calmly Jack is the baby and you’ll see when you have your own babies and I get the eye roll and muttering. C’est la vie. š Ming has company.
That’s so funny!
Is that why we have children, for the laughs? š
I love the posts about Gutsy9. Having raised three boys, I know all about sibling rivalry.
Ming has never been jealous of any of the other animals – so funny.
my kids do the same thing also. Always comparing each other against my feelings. It must be a normal thing. Kids just want to know they are the most important things to the mom.
Interesting isn’t it!
Whew! So glad you love Ming more than the bird. He’d better behave though, or that could change, right? š
Definitely!
This was hilarious Julie. š
He meant every word!
Love how you pretended to think a bit, Julie. Ming does love you if he is jealous of a baby peacock. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Very jealous!
Be nice to Ming, he’s a good lad.
I guess you’re right!
Tough call, but I’m behind you! š
I might change my mind.
That is too cute! I once told my kitty, “you are my sunshine” and Daniel was like, “hey, what about me?” But then he turns around and says he loves the dog more than anyone else. š I bet Ming loves Gutsy9 more than he lets on.
He is a bit disenchanted with the birds alas!
What adorable kids you have, Julie. š
I agree!
Aww, how could you ever choose between them? š
Not easy – haha!
We have the same complaints from our sons about our dogs š
Pet jealousy!
Maybe you might feel a little bit like I do … that my son is heading towards independence and I will need to find new things to fill that void? I am starting to panic just a bit and don’t want to just suddenly be alone and not have some strategy to cope with that change in my life. (Of course, I am very excited to watch this journey to independence unfold) It is an interesting time!
Yes I do feel the same – exactly!
It’s a very strange part of the journey. My current strategy is to drool over stunning lofts in Freo that I will never be able to afford! š
Glad that it ended with a hug – for both of you……..
Me too!
Jealous over a bird…………….now that is funny…………………and Ming is old enough to take care of himself little Gutsy9 is just getting there
Dreadfully jealous!
You call “Get RID of him, Mum” sibling rivalry?? !! Watch out, Julie!
I dare say, the old “Who do you love most – him or me?” would be difficult…
GOOD LUCK!
It was a difficult choice – ha!
Love this!
It was a word-for word transcription!
Sometimes Dimples feels the same way about Wonderbutt. But she says she would rather have him for a little brother than a human little brother, so there’s that.
Yes, Ming too likes being an only child!