Baby's Big Sister
April 17, 2018

The newest member of our family has gotten a lot of attention these last six months, but today I want to shine a light on her remarkable big sister.

After a long day this past weekend, I put an exhausted baby to sleep a little earlier than usual. I jumped at the opportunity to spend some quality time with my big girl. We snuggled up together in mama and daddy’s bed and we read, talked, and sang songs until she fell asleep in my arms. And while I was holding that big 5-year-old I spent some time reflecting on what these past few months have probably felt like to this new big sister.

My older daughter was my entire world for the better part of five years. Everything revolved around what she was doing and what she needed. All the love and affection I had to give was showered upon her. Then one day she became a big sister and suddenly had to share all of that with her new sister. All that attention cut in half overnight.

It would be reasonable for a child to act out in frustration or show some resentment toward the new baby, but no. This sweet big sister just opened up her heart to the newest member of our family. She adores her baby sister and takes pride in her new role as a big sister. While many kids would crave more attention, she willingly moves over and gives her sister time in the spotlight. Naturally, there have been moments of disappointment when I could not be with her like I was in the pre-baby days, but she always finds understanding and compassion. She has probably adjusted to the change better than both my husband and me. It’s rather remarkable actually, because I know things could have gone so differently.

Maybe she is just wiser than we give her credit for. She can see that she has gained so much more than she lost. Now in addition to the love she gets from her parents she has a sister and a life-long friend.