Sisterly Love

I’d be lying to you if I told you that I wasn’t nervous about Harlan meeting Avery for the first time. Although we kept Harlan super involved throughout the entire pregnancy, there was no telling how she was going to react when she saw her baby sister in real life.

My sister stayed with Harlan the day I went into labor. She made sure to make that day all about Harlan. They went to the candy store and stocked up on candy, had lunch, and even did a little shopping for her new baby sister. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if my sister wasn’t here to watch Harlan that day. I am truly grateful for having her here in the city and so willing to help (love you Dan.)

We sent a picture of Avery to my sister so that she could show Harlan. Har’s first reaction to the picture was “That’s my baby. She’s so cute!” When my sister told me that, I was so relieved and thought that their meeting could go off without a hitch.

MacKay went home to get Harlan and they arrived at the hospital later that evening. I made sure to be out of my hospital gown and into regular clothes when she got there, so she didn’t freak out. As soon as she saw me and Avery, she ran up to us and jumped on the bed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this excited (literally.) She had her “big sis” shirt on and was so proud to show it off.

The first thing she did when she saw Avery was give her the biggest kiss. At that moment, with my new family of four surrounding me, I felt absolutely complete. I had my two daughters sitting with me showing an outpouring of love for one another.

Their meeting each other defined everything that I have ever wanted as a mother. So much love filled the room and my heart as I saw Harlan pour out so much love for her new sister.

Now that Avery has been in our lives for almost two weeks, we are slowly getting adjusted to life as four. Harlan has had her moments of needing attention, but I make sure to take that time for just the two of us. The love she has for her sister grows immensely each day. The first person she wants to see when she wakes up in the morning is her sister and the last person she kisses before bed is Avery.

Our new favorite thing to do is lay in bed cuddling and watching television, just the three of us. The more cuddle time Harlan gets with her baby sister, the happier she is.

As much as I try not to bring up Avery when it’s just the two of us, Harlan always brings her up in the conversation. “I love my baby sister so much.” she’ll say. Or “My baby sister is so cute.”

The love that this little two year old has for her sister is the definition of unconditional love. A love that anyone in their life would be lucky to experience. A love that I hope they share for a lifetime.