So Happy Together

I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone that I think I have the greatest sister in the world. There is truly nothing she wouldn’t do for me. I trust her more than anyone else I know. She’s one of very few people who can make me laugh until I can’t breathe. If we go a day without talking I feel unsettled and wonder how she’s doing. I truly am what I am today because of her. I can't begin to imagine life without her.

It has always made me sad to see siblings who aren't close. Some even hate each other! I have been praying for years that when (if!) Sam had a sibling, they'd get along.

I know it is still very early to tell - but Sam and Matilda are completely in love with each other. Sam has not been jealous or angry about having a new baby. When Matilda wakes up in the morning or gets up from a nap, Sam reacts like he hasn't seen her in weeks. He comes running with a huge smile on his face, crying, "Tilda! Baby! Tilda awake!" He insists on hugging and kissing her all the time. He asks to hold her several times a day. When she cries, Sam is right there shushing her and offering her nuk. Sometimes he gently rocks her seat and sings the ABCs to her.

Matilda is only two months old but she is a very alert, expressive baby. She was just a few days old when she noticed Sam and she hasn't been able to take her eyes off him since. She watches him run and climb and play. If I have tried 20 different ways to calm her down and nothing is working I know I can always just bring her to Sam. She'll stop crying and gaze at him adoringly as he plays. He gets more of her huge gummy smiles than any of us. Matilda often just screams in delight when Sam is near her.

Samuel James and Matilda Jane, I am counting on you to always take care of each other. Treasure each other. No matter how you change or where you live I want you to be able to rely on each other. You will probably get into fights and sometimes feel that you can't stand each other. Even when you are angry, remember that God does not make mistakes. You are my two greatest gifts. You were meant to be brother and sister.