Sisters, Sisters, There were never such devoted Sisters

Many already know this story, but when I was young (think first and second grade), I wanted a baby sister in the WORST way.  I prayed for it all the time.  I mentioned it to my parents (whom I'm sure were thrilled at the idea of taking into account the wishes of a 6 year old in their family planning decisions).  I even remember having a school assignment where we were suppose to draw a picture of what we would want if we could have or do anything in the world.  I drew a picture of myself next to a baby sister.  Are we sensing a theme here?  I was going to have a sister if I had any say in it.

At some point, my parents told me that it wasn't going to happen.  I don't remember the exact details of the conversation but I got the gist.  What I do remember is that about 6 months later, my parents called a 'family meeting' to announce that we would be having a baby later that year.  I remember being super excited (getting up and doing a cartwheel in our living room).  Since then, I've always said that this was the first prayer that I remember God answering with a "Yes!"

This was back before ultrasounds, so we didn't technically know if it was a baby boy or girl ahead of time.  However, in my heart of hearts, I knew that it was a girl.  On December 15, 1987, the much prayed for and anticipated baby girl arrived and I finally had a baby sister, Natalie.

I bring this up because this past week, my baby sister had her first baby.  While the last 9 months have been full of preparation, baby showers, and prayer, there is nothing that 100% prepares you for the experience of becoming a mom.  Many people argue that you are a mom the day you become pregnant but its not the same as that wonderful day when pregnancy ends (Praise the Lord--no more heartburn!!) and a sweet baby is placed into your arms.  When you finally meet that darling baby that you've been feeling kick, hiccup and generally make you uncomfortable (especially during that last week when you're past your due date  and the minutes tick by ever so slowly), its a miracle.

On Monday September 2, 2012 at 3:13 pm, a handsome baby boy was placed into my sister's arms for the first time.

He will outgrow her arms, but he has forever made her into a mother.  She and her husband named him Harvey Allen Shane.  He is beautiful.  He makes the sweetest sounds, even his cries are adorable (at least I think so because I wasn't the one up with him at night).  He has the cutest toes.  He has blonde hair (both parents have dark hair so that was a surprise). 

I got to spend four days out here getting to know Harvey and filling up on sweet baby snuggles.

I had the privilege to watch Natalie and Mack comfort their baby, laugh at his funny faces, change lots of diapers and move into their roles of "mom and dad."  It was so special to me to be there to see the start of this family.

I am thankful for my husband taking some time off of work as well as some great friends and family back in Chicago that took turns taking care of my 4 little guys so that I could make this trip out here alone.  And once again, I'm thankful for my sister.  Thankful that God answered the prayer for a baby sister with a resounding "Yes!"  Thankful that I get to share a new part of life with her: the journey of motherhood.