Sisters

I grew up with one brother, H. We always got along. Ok duh not always. Especially when we were younger. In high school people would comment that we couldn't be brother and sister because we got along so well. I am two years older than him.

When D and I talked of having kids we planned on two. But then Little d was born and we both decided (almost immediately) that we wanted two more. When I was pregnant again we opted to find out what we were having. Another girl. I could have cared less what it was, so long as it was healthy. But I was anxious about the family dynamics of having two siblings of the same gender. I wondered if the reason H and I got along so splendidly was because we never fought over a bathroom sink, a boy, or a pair of shoes. Would my two daughters get along so well? Would they be best friends?

Little d was so excited to be getting a sister. She talked of how she would teach her things, like how to do a "family hug". She wanted to sing songs to her, to play dress-up. I hoped that she would stay so enamored after Little m arrived.

I remember vividly walking into the house after being in the hospital for three days. I entered first and was so anxious to hug Little d as I had missed her so much. She brushed past me and ran out into the garage "where's the baby!?"

We brought Little m into the living room and sat her on the carpet in her carseat as she was sleeping. Little d knelt down beside her and Little m stirred and blinked open her eyes. Little d leaned in closer and said in a soft voice "I'm Little d and I'm three years old. I'm your big sister." Then she gently took Little m's hands and formed the universal symbol for "three years old". I couldn't help but cry. It was one of the sweetest things I've ever witnessed.

I also remember Little d for the first few days Little m was home would eat her meals watching the baby instead of TV.

And things have progressed along the same lines ever since. Except now, Little m will reciprocate the kindness. If Little m is already awake and downstairs when Little d comes down in the morning she will run up and give her a hug. When Little d gets in time out, Little m will go sit in the chair with her to keep her company. (And I let her, because sisters should always be there for each other.) Today when Little m busted her lip (and pretty good I might add) Little d brought her a pony with stars on it to cheer her up and said "I picked this one for you because it has stars on it and you are a little star."


Apparently I worried for nothing. They love each other like sisters should. Now when they are teenagers...