Becoming Big Sister

My Sweet Evalyn,

The last time I sat down to write a letter to you, we were a mere 10 days away from meeting your Baby Sister, Gwen. As I wrote that letter, tears literally streaming down my cheeks, I was lamenting over the changes that were heading your way. Of course, I spent hours, perhaps days, worrying and wondering about how you would do as you transformed from my only baby to my oldest baby within a matter of minutes. I was worried because you are far too young to understand and prepare yourself for what was ahead. I was worried because you are a Mama’s girl and I wondered how you’d do when you had to share my attention. I was worried because I didn’t know how I’d possibly have the energy to give 100% to two children. I was worried because I thought you would be jealous. I was worried because I thought you might regress in sleep. I was worried because I thought you might not like spending a few days away from me when the baby was born.

But, girl, you have, once again – surprised me and exceeded my expectations completely.

You have made this transition with ease and I am so, so, so proud of you, my sweet girl.

On July 2nd, your Daddy and I weren’t the only ones to fall head over heels in love with Gwennie from the moment we first saw her face. When you arrived home with Papa after your nap, and saw your 7 hour old baby sister for the first time, your life was changed. And immediately, you loved her.

Since that day, the infatuation hasn’t worn off. The first thing you say every morning is “Where’s Baby Gwennie? See her? Kiss her!” You want to hold her, kiss her, pat her and love her all the time. You often tell Mommy to “seed Gwennie” (feed Gwennie) and are concerned if you think I didn’t give her enough milk. You’re protective when people you don’t know well are holding her. You just want to make sure she’s safe, I think. For the first days you were confused and called her Baby Connor or Baby Silas (what her name would have been had she been a brother) but you straightened that out. Then, for a few days, we still had to work on the “him” versus “her” thing, but we’ve straightened that out as well.

My prayer is that you always love your Baby Sister the way you do right now. I can’t wait to watch you grow up together, sharing secrets and lipstick, and hope that you will always be the best of friends. Of course, I'm not naive enough to think that you won’t have bumps along the way.

You are the sweetest Big Sister for our Gwennie. I hope you always know just how proud I am of you.

With love,

Momma