You are 4 years old and a big sister

My Dear Zoe,

You waited long for these two days. For the day you'd be a big sister and for your 4th birthday. "I want a sister so I have someone to play with," you said. And everyday toward the end of my pregnancy you asked if we were going to the hospital "now". Every "not yet" was a big disappointment, until Echo finally arrived. You watched her birth in the hospital, one eye on the show that was playing on your tablet, the other on the birth scene. "Mom! A baby just came out of your snooch!" you exclaimed, when the doctor pulled out Echo.

The next day, as soon as we got home from the hospital, you set up a tea party for you and Echo. Against your expectations, a new born Echo does not make an ideal playmate, but we still have our fun together. You love it when I hold Echo toward your chest as if she is look for milk. "No Echo, I don't have milk in my boob," you say, and ask me to "do it again." You have a blast when I make Echo inquire about what you're eating, and ask you to put a bite in her mouth. "Put it right here," she says, pointing her hand to her mouth. "No Echo, you can't eat yet. You can only have mama's milk," you say, and of course, ask me to "do it again!"

The challenge with your birthday was your unfamiliarity with the concept of time. seasons, months, weeks ended up being confusing concepts to describe when your birthday is going to be. You knew your birthday was in summer time. "It's not supposed to be chilly today. It's summer! I said" "Is it summer today??? you asked. "It's supposed to be, but it certainly doesn't feel like it," I said. "Is it my birthday?!" you asked with excitement. "No," I said. "Your birthday is in July 15, and tried to explain to you that Summer lasts more than one day. You knew your birthday was in July, When your friend Maja had her birthday a week before yours, you were in tears, thinking you could not have a birthday in July, because now Maja took your place. Almost everyday you asked me if it was your birthday. It is frustrating to hear that question daily, and have to say no to your sad little face, disappointed as if I didn't keep my promise.

Finally the day arrived. Including your extended family, we all put extra effort into your birthday this year, probably to make sure you still feel special, given that you're not an only child anymore. We celebrated your birthday at home on July 15 exactly, and on the weekend, we had a super party for your classmates by the Green Lake Wading Pool. It was the best party ever. Not only the kids had fun, but also the parents.

It is now time to start a blog for your sister, and integrate your memories. She will never know what it's like to have all the attention as an only child, but with a good sister like you, she will always have a friend, and so will you. When she sees you, she already smiles ear to ear. I look forward to the future of our happy, complete family.

Love,
Mommy.