"But Mommy, when will she be big enough? When?" I can still hear Bean's voice echoing through our house as I carried her newborn sister in my arms. "I just want to play with her, and I want her to play with me!" Bean was five when her sister was born, and more than anything just wanted 'her baby' to be able to play with her. You see, there are five and a half years of age between my son and his sister (Bean). For a couple of years, they played together famously, and then B (my son) realized that he was growing up, and didn't want to play 'baby games' with his sister anymore.

Bean was desperate for a new playmate. She would have given anything to be able to play with our new baby as soon as we brought her home from the hospital. We were still in Covid mode, and sadly, had to instruct our children to keep their distance from the new baby for several months after she was born. Having kids in school, still riding the Covid wave, and having a new baby to keep well was a huge challenge.

Months have passed since we brought that sweet newborn home... twenty-four months, in fact. Our baby is now a toddler, and just like Beanie Girl dreamed of, her baby sister is begging for Bean to play with her. 'Bean! I need you!' she'll cry. 'Bean! Puppies!' she'll beg, asking her sister to crawl on the floor with her. 'Bean! 'Rina!' she'll plead, holding a tutu in her hands, waiting for an impromptu ballet to begin. And Bean? My big girl couldn't love playing with her sister more. Having someone beg for her attention, having someone to read to, having someone to dress up with, no matter the difference in age.

I am reminded of my own childhood, where I would sit in the closet with my baby sister, a blanket wrapped around our shoulders, and a book in my hands.

Siblings are wonderful, truly. I am so happy that my children have each other, and I can only hope their love and appreciation for each other grows with time. Sisters are special. I know because I have one... a sister I love and cherish, and would give anything to spend more time with. I thank God for giving my girls a sister.