those recent stories about Pearl are such an obvious reaction to the conversations here about her favoritism of Darcy, and the way she scathinginly describes Pearl as "wild" and "energetic" with the implication that she is far too much effort simply because she isn't the posited, people-pleasing Darcy replica she assumed she'd be having when she found out her baby was a girl. Pearl has her own personality - much more spark and energy, strong-willed and with a rebellious edge that Louise isn't used to - but that difference is something to be celebrated and encouraged, not an opportunity for Louise to roll her eyes, avoid spending time with her youngest daughter and make it very clear she favours Darcy and doesn't feel complete unless she is present.
a few stories highlighting that Pearl is currently doing well at the hobbies Louise has forced upon her - successfully memorising a poem for drama class, which is entirely age-appropriate skill and not indicative of a child genius as she implied and that she recieved a star at dance class for "good listening" while explaining that Pearl is four, which is Louise's favourite age for a child to be - is. hardly comparable to the comme T's she makes about her precious Darcy. she's just listing generic stuff that could be said about pretty much any child - did well at listening, recited a basic christmas poem, sang a song etc. it says nothing about Pearl, the individual. she regularly talks about how incredible and special and talented Darcy is, how her birth saved Louise's life and how she doesn't feel complete or happy without her etc - yet with Pearl, she can't seem to find anything positive to say about her personality. sure, she's pleased that Pearl is engaging in dancing and acting classes, because although she intends to live her dreams thru Darcy, hoping she he will become a star ballerina/singer/actress in west end shows, she is clearly going to place similar expectations on Pearl as a contingency plan - but ultimately, she will never compare to Darcy, simply because she isn't malleable and compliant and endlessly eager to please, thus cannot be moulded into the person Louise wants her to be.
Pearl's "wildness" - which Louise perceives as a chore and inconvenience - could easily be spoken about in positive terms, embracing Pearl's energy and enthusiasm and confidence and zest for life - yet instead, her only compliments are about Pearl's ability to focus on a disney show and dance and enjoy herself - and, for one, resisting the urge to compare her to Darcy, with her inability to sit still or sit up straight. and poised and not just sit back comfortably and chill.
and sure, managing not to moan about Pearl is a step in the right direction, but the favouritism is still very obvious. the fact that she had to share a story about how brilliant Darcy is first, then followed by a story about Pearl and how she misses her when she's asleep says it all. and Louise, if you miss Pearl when she's sleeping - a blatant lie, as we all know she will be relishing the quietness and lack of needing to parent her energetic daughter, you could spend one-on-one time with her while Darcy is with Matt, and actually get to know her properly, instead of putting her life on hold, waiting at home for D to return so she doesn't "miss out" when there are endless age-appropriate activities she could be doing with Pearl that Darcy wouldn't be interested in! instead, she stays at home and wallows in her "i miss Darcy" misery, and then the moment D is home, Pearl is ditched while Louise priorities taking Darcy to events and on day trips and mummy/daughter overnight trips to London etc! she can say she doesn't have a favourite child and compliment Pearl on her ability to learn a poem, but her actions and eye rolls speak far louder than a disingenuous caption written out of obligation.