Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Raising sisters

When I was pregnant with Big Sister E, I was fairly certain that I was having a girl. Sure enough, when the ultrasound revealed that I was right, I was overjoyed knowing that I was going to have a daughter (or pretty overjoyed, considering the ultrasound tech pointed out at least twice that with girls, they're pretty sure but it's not quite as easy as with boys. Yes Lady, I understand anatomy, THANKS). Two years later, when I was pregnant with Little Sister B, I thought she was going to be a boy. I don't know why, I just did and I was pretty sure. So, when we had her ultrasound and were told that she was a girl, I was amazed that I was wrong. I was all, really? And the tech was all, see the lines? Do you understand anatomy? Oh, RIGHT.

Their first picture together taken right after bringing Little Sister B home from the hospital

Now that I've had 7+ months to witness my girls as sisters, I am beyond happy that they will have each other as a friend forever. I can't wait to see them grow up and play together and share secrets and whisper late into the night and hear about when they call each other to commiserate on how crazy Mom is... oh wait, I probably won't hear about that.

For now, it warms my heart to see them together and when Big Sister E gives her little sis hugs and kisses and rushes to make sure she has a toy (or two... or TOO MANY as in the picture here), I couldn't be more proud of her. There are moments when she, understandably, doesn't want her hair pulled or her toys taken away. But there are also times when Little Sister B is in a crabby mood and all it takes is her big sister to sit down in front of her and patiently give her a rattle, then a block, then a stuffed animal, and on and on forever. Big Sister E takes those responsibilities as a big sister very seriously and, as well as playing, she really loves helping Mommy and Daddy whenever she can (sometimes I even have to stop her from helping when, say, it's probably best that I am the one who throws away the poop-covered diaper or feeds Little Sister B her cereal. Letting a toddler take charge in either situation seems to end up in a mess that is just not pleasant).

There are days like today that I pause and think, how did I get here? Growing up, my mom always told me how time goes by so fast and the years slip away as you get older and yada yada, all that stuff that GROWN-UPS always drone on about, but all of a sudden it makes sense. She was... right. How old will my kids be (or will they be fully grown) before I stop asking, how is it possible that these are MY CHILDREN? And will I ever stop being baffled that I am SOMEBODY'S MOTHER?

I have a hunch that it is a little too late for me to wonder if I'm up to the task of raising these girls, no? But as I watch them play and learn and grow together, I just hope that I can show them how lucky they are to have each other and that the bond that they have as sisters will last a lifetime. I think that one day they, too will realize that giving each of them a sister was the best thing I've ever done.

Two wonderful, beautiful somebodies.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Your girls are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm your newest follower :)

Zelna said...

I love that you call your kids Big sister E and little Sister B. beautiful kids

Mozer said...

What wonderful pics. of your girls. I'm sure they'll love having each other through the years. Thanks for the follow.

Crunchy Green Mom - Suzanne said...

HEY... my baby girl lies on her baby sister the same way! It's like the lower back is a pillow!

Rae Ann said...

What a lovely post! How nice that your girls play so well together! Mine alternate between BBFs and mortal enemies.

I'm following you from the MBC Under 100 Club. I look forward to reading more!

Petit (Australia) said...

Hi Xenia, your girls are gorgeous, thank you for following my blog, Petit, take care!

The Leaves of Tarkong said...

gee, your girls are adorable!!!! I suddenly miss my son when he was small as little sister B!

time does fly fast. whenever i look at my son, too, i get that feeling and more oftentimes :)

followed u back :)

Jacqueline Miller said...

Beautiful girls! I'm now following you too and looking forward to reading your blog!

Nikki said...

It's great that they have each other. Thanks for the visit. U'm not following you also

CailinMarie said...

they are darling! I like your comment about being baffled - there are times when I look around and wonder when the heck the "mother" is going to come home and pay me so I can go off duty and then I realize I'm not babysitting!!!

Mom et al said...

Wow, can I relate to this. I am in constant awe (and sometimes terror) that I am a mother of two. And I find myself saying more than I like to admit, that my mother was right about a great many things.

Great blog! Thanks for for the follow, I am your new follower as well.

blakes said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
blakes said...

your girls are beautiful! nice to meet you stopping by from mbc!
blake
http://centerpetpharmacy.com/blog

Nanny Dee said...

Hi -- I'm stopping by and following from MBC's under 100 group!

Such beautiful sisters! They look so happy to be with each other -- all parents hope for this!

Take care --

Dee :D
http://newenglandnanny.blogspot.com

Jackie said...

Your girls look absolutely precious!!! I can totally relate to you how you wonder how you got "here"! I sit back and wonder the same thing sometimes...

Toddlers are so cute when they love to help! That picture of your little one w/ so many toys in her bouncer is a regular around here as well - my little baby gets bombarded w/ toys from her 3 y.o. brother and 2 year old sister - it's hysterical!

Thanks for following my blog - I'm following yours now too. I look forward to reading much from you : )

L Fisher said...

your daughters are beautiful! :)

Stephanie said...

Pure sweetness.

Your younger daughter's smile in that last picture is truly contagious.

I also have two little girls (5 months and almost 3 years) and I have the same hopes for my them. I often pray that they will be the best of friends - today and always.

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

Stephanie said...

Oops. Typo in my last comment. I hate it when that happens.

I meant to say: "I have the same hopes for them." ;)

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

Unknown said...

beautiful pictures

knickgirl_3 at yahoo dot com