Dear Teeny Tiny Baby (aka my little sister),
It is hard to believe that you are 1 year old. It has been an action packed year for both of us. I remember being so excited when I woke up one morning and learned that you had been born. Mommy and I had rehearsed this moment with my baby doll dropping out from my under my shirt and by reading lots of books but there is nothing quite like the real thing.
I will always remember going to the hospital to meet you. I loved you instantly. I sat up and told Mommy I was ready to hold you and I did. I smiled from ear to ear and snuck in a little kiss on your head and Mommy has the photos to prove both. I was head over heels. And speaking of heels, you totally won me over when you gave me a pair of Cinderella dress up shoes as my big sister gift. I still cannot figure out when you had time to go shopping.
Once you were home our real adventures began. I was so proud to introduce you to all of our friends and family. I told everyone about you. I wasn’t even too upset about sharing Mommy and Daddy and puppy with you because you were so special. It wasn’t easy but I adjusted: I carried my baby in my carrier when Mommy carried you; Mommy and I walked side by side with our baby strollers; and we even nursed our babies together. Mommy said these moments are priceless…whatever that means.
We shared so many firsts. I was so excited about drawing my first family picture with you in it that I forgot to include our puppy. Poor puppy! I was delighted to make you giggle for the first time (it sounded so cute!), to share your first jump alongside your jump up, to feed you your first bites of “food,” and to be right by your side for every important moment. I always made sure you knew that your biggie (or big E for Elle) always has your back. There may have been a time or two where I made you cry–but how could I know that you didn’t want to eat all 20 puffs at once? Or that you don’t like to be flipped over like I do? Or that I shouldn’t tickle you until you fall over and cry? But you made me cry, too, waking me up in the middle of the night, pulling my hair, and even biting me like teething a ring. None of those things are cool. Well, we both learned our lessons.
When we simply stay home and play it is fun because you are there. I love teaching you how to shake a maraca to make music, to play princesses and not eat the dolls, and to have wild dance parties since you learned to shake it like a Polaroid picture. Playing hide and go seek together is the best since you can come crawling after me into our favorite play tent and find me now. And I adore how you squeal with delight when you find me hiding under our stuffed animals. Bath time is more fun when we do it together. I may be stinky but you are too! And it’s fun to see who can make the biggest splash and get Mommy the wettest.
No matter where we go, we always have fun together. I love our stroller rides when you’re cozy in your seat and I ride on the buggy board. It’s fun to sing to you, tickle you, and scream and laugh together. I secretly love looking into the little blue eyes that match mine and being silly just to see how you react and to make you happy. I also love sharing the back seat on car rides and talking gibberish. Although I understand your every sound by now. And I love our airplane adventures to vacation paradise where we explore unchartered territory together and get to debut our special matching outfits and bathing suits. Everyone knows we are sisters! Just don’t tell Mommy that she looks silly matching us, too.
Speaking of vacations, I admire that when we’re on the beach that you will even crawl into a big wave with no fear to come get me. That’s true sisterly love. Between us, I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. And even though you’re our little peanut, try not to get too big too fast. But remember that no matter how big you may get, I will always be your big sister.
Happy 1st Birthday Little!
Love, Elle Belle
Elle Belle is an adorable preschooler who lives in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her magnificent mommy, dapper dad, and baby sister. She can be reached at ellebellenyc@gmail.com or like at facebook.com/ElleBelleNYC.
