Happy Birthday to My Little Sister!

27 years ago, I became a big sister to the cutest baby girl ever (I can still say that since all my own children are boys).  That day was the highlight of my childhood. Seriously.  I was 8.5 when my sister was born.  But to understand the joy of her birth, you must go back a few years.

Remember those school assignments in kindergarten and first grade where you draw a picture of what you could be if you could be anything in the world? Or the project to draw what you wanted most in the world (if money was not an issue).  The answer to those school projects was always the same for me.  I wanted a baby sister.  I wanted a baby sister in the WORST WAY.  Here is my "Dream Cloud" project from 1st Grade I think.

The front

The back side which shows me, a baby sister crying and what I assume is a teddy bear?

I talked about it.  I drew about it.  And I prayed about it.

It got to the point one day that my parents had to have a talk with me.  I don't remember the exact words, but it was something like this "Leslie, I'm sorry but I don't think you will be getting a baby sister."

Then one day when I was in 2nd grade, we had a family meeting where we found out that we would in fact be adding another Walmer to the family.  I just knew in my heart of hearts that it would be a girl.  I mean, I already had two older brothers what would be the point of any more brothers?  My mom continually warned me that it could be a boy (this was all pre-ultrasound technology) but I dismissed those warnings because I just knew it was a baby sister.

Natalie might be lacking in clothes, but clearly I was lacking teeth which is much worse.

I can remember clearly being called out of my 3rd grade classroom on that wintery December 15th in 1987.  My grandparents picked us kids up and drove us to the hospital.  We were in the waiting room.  My dad came out and announced it was a girl.  I did a cartwheel. Yep, a cartwheel in the waiting room and maybe some screaming.  My heart was overjoyed -- a sister at last! 

My heart has been filled with joy at having a sister so many times over these past 27 years.  So many fun memories over the years--trips, holidays, movies, music, lots of professional pictures and lots of matching clothes (but we'll save those pictures for another post). We have a decent-sized age gap between us (over 8 year) but she is still my best friend for life. 

In the last few years, we've shared more of life's adventures as she has gotten married and has a son.  Now we swap kid stories.  We've also added lots of miles between us (I'm in Illinois and she is in Delaware) but it doesn't matter.  She is still my sister.  She is still my best friend for life.  She is the first person that comes to mind when I see a sign that says "You had me at bacon."  She is the first person I text when I see a old musical on TV and think of the many times we watched it as kids.  She is the first person that comes to mind so often--with tv shows, jokes, music, memories.  I don't get to see her in person as much as I would like to these days, but I am so proud of the woman she has become.  She's a great friend, loving wife and wonderful mom.  She's hardworking, fun and beautiful. 

Happy 27th Natalie!  

I love you!  

Also, your birthday present hasn't been mailed yet (some things never change!)

Love,

"The Big One"