Last week I was in the UK visiting my "little" sister and her family. She had just had her second child in late December (2 weeks late!) and I was there to offer emotional support and just help her out. Since my mom died I feel this overwhelming need to be close to my family. My dad is a few blocks away but my sisters and their families are far. Kath is in Calgary and Alla is in the UK. We only see each other a few times a year and this, especially lately has been very hard on me.
When I arrived in the UK and saw that little bundle of love I knelt on the floor, covered my face and wept like a child. My mom deserved to meet him and my sister deserved to have her mother there to help, not her big sister. It was all just wrong. But soon the joy a little baby brings and the crazy fun of a toddler pulled me out of my sadness and had me appreciating all of the wonderful gifts this life has brought to me.
So, despite the lack of sleep, my trip was filled with the easy going good times only sisters share, the giggles and joy of a toddler and the warm and snugly wonder of a newborn. Life is good.
Me with my new nephew. Squeeee!
When I arrived in the UK and saw that little bundle of love I knelt on the floor, covered my face and wept like a child. My mom deserved to meet him and my sister deserved to have her mother there to help, not her big sister. It was all just wrong. But soon the joy a little baby brings and the crazy fun of a toddler pulled me out of my sadness and had me appreciating all of the wonderful gifts this life has brought to me.
Yes. My niece is THE most beautiful toddler!
So, despite the lack of sleep, my trip was filled with the easy going good times only sisters share, the giggles and joy of a toddler and the warm and snugly wonder of a newborn. Life is good.
You're a good sister and I just bet your mom would be proud of you for stepping up to keep your family strong. And yes, your niece is the MOST beautiful toddler.
Ahhhh! Such beautiful babies!
They look like British Babies - plump and lovely round cheeks that you could float on!
Those are some beautiful babes. I'm so glad for everyone that you were able to be there.
Oh, those children are JUST the MOST scrumptious looking poppets... I'm surprised you didn't eat them while you were away.
I understand how much you must miss them... this is a good thing though, knowing what your family means to you while they're still here - enjoy it all, lady! xox
gerber baby alert! :)
I'll be going to visit my nephews in Arizona soon. Have not seen them since my Mom's memorial service. Really sucks when families are so far apart.
gosh, I really wish my sister would have a baby...
:)
It's unfair that you mother doesn't get to meet him. Totally effing unfair. But your sister is lucky to have you. Also, you are lucky to get to squish the heck out of those little cuties.
lovely and delicious aunty trip! you are such a good sister. That niecelet is perfection. Like a doll.
These lovely moments I am sure are bittersweet without your mom-xoxox
You are such a good sister, and your niece and nephew are so beautiful. I know exactly what you mean about crying when you got there. when my nephew was born, i had the same reaction. all i could think about was the way things should have been with my mom there. you're so right in that kids have a way of pulling you out of that sadness and immersing you back in the moment - its magical. i admire the way you and your sisters continually support and love each other - there is obviously so much love, support and respect in your family and in your upbringing.
speaking as the little sister without a mom....we don't know what we'd do without you guys!!! And we feel totally blessed to have older sisters to help us out and ooh and ah over our babies....:)
They are SO cute Jen! And you're right - it's completely unfair....but I have to think our moms' had a hand in sending all these kids to us...
This is a perfect post. I like your writing style. Will look around your website :)
Feel so lucky to have had you here. What a difference it made and we all miss you so much!
xo!!! PLEASE squeeze those beautiful babies for me!
So cute!! And this post brought tears to my eyes—you are a great sister and I'm sure your family agrees.
I mean: And your family is very lucky to have you!
Thanks, Jen. It is hard to be so far away! Btw, couldn't believe how grown-up your "little" man was. Great to see you the other day.
Thanks, Sara. That means so much! xo
I have a sister who doesn't even know how old my kids are. Luckily the rest of my gang (and my husbands) can't get enough of my crazy kids!! To me it is her missing out, not my boys- and when I read your post, I was reminded of that!
Wow, Marci. I hear about these types of relationships but I can't even imagine how lonely I would be without my sisters. And yes, she is TOTALLY missing out!
Jen, that one pic of your niece in the purple coat looks just like your Mom. The eyes, the smile....everything. What a beautiful little lady.
Jen, you are an amazing sister. All three of you are for that matter. So glad you could go & spend some time with all of them.
Just gorgeous! What a lovely family you have. So nice that you were able to go be with them all. Congratulations, Auntie. :)