Family

For some people the idea of having a sibling that is 12 years younger than you is pretty weird.
If you consider having one that much younger, try adding on one that is 16 years younger. And one that is 18 years younger. Oh and another who is 20 years younger...and one that is 24.5 years younger.
Yep-that is my family. I have 6 younger siblings-one of which is almost 4 years my junior, but that is fairly normal)
Growing up I had one sibling to play with. One sibling to blame things on. One sibling to share thoughts and ideas with. I didn't know I was missing anything. My brother was great, don't get me wrong. We had good times. But as with any relationship-we didn't agree all of the time. We didn't always like the same stuff or want to play the same games. While we share interests and certain aspects of our personalities we were never 100% compatible and that is normal and just fine. That is were multiple siblings come in handy. If one isn't in the mood for playing hide and seek you can try your luck with the other 5 and chances are one of them will humor you (or come up with a better idea).
By the time my next sibling came around I was almost a teenager and far more interested in what was going on with my friends, the bands I liked and what was on TV than any little kid. Sure there were fun times when this new little person said something that, had I or my younger brother said we would have been grounded for, instead garnered stifled laughter and hidden grins. I don't know if its the ability to keep an innocent look about the face or if its the tiny little voice saying "Kiss my ass." that warrants fits of laughter that lead to tears and side aches but either way that was how it went with a toddler. A mess of flour on the kitchen floor is cute and silly and the sound of passed gas reverberating through the silent church is albeit embarrassing but also hugely funny.
Of course there were not so fun times. Crying. Sickness. Trying to explain to this curious little human that they cannot have whatever they want just because they want it. Trying to negotiate and explain that its cold outside and that is why they need the itchy hat and annoyingly tight coat and these ridiculously useless things over their tiny little hands.
Of course you learn a lot about yourself when you are around a small child. You learn that you can be impatient. You can not be your best self and they will forgive you. Hell, you can be a complete jerk to them and they will forgive you and shower you with hugs and giggles that lift you up on your worst day.
As a teenager I wasn't ready to see all the good stuff that came from having younger siblings. They took up time, energy and made messes that I had to clean up. But without them I don't think I could do what I do now. Today I am the proud mother of 5 kids the oldest of which will be 7 soon. While I didn't get to enjoy some of the fun stuff that goes along with having siblings -you know, plotting together, late night chats about which TV character we liked best and which band members were most wanted to meet- I did learn a lot about what it takes to raise kids.
When I found out I was pregnant for the first time I was of course nervous about the pregnancy and what it would be like to go into labor-but as far as caring for a baby-I was only really concerned with how things would work at night. How do I feed this baby while laying down in bed? How often will I be changing diapers in the middle of the night? How often with these diaper changes be accompanied by full outfit changes for the baby (and Mommy)...or worse-a sheet change?
So, being an older sibling gave me much needed parenting practice, but I realized that I missed out on a real relationship with my siblings. You see, I can call my brother up and chat about life stuff. Bills, marriage, politics...we can talk. But I never really had that with my much younger siblings.
A week or so ago I was sitting in my parents house visiting with two of my sisters and it dawned on me that we were conversing with each other. I was sitting there listening to two kids talk about cartoons or begging for me to play tag with them. We were talking to one another about stuff, like real stuff. It was pretty new and very cool.
I am extremely excited about the prospect of having a sisters lunch or movie night. The idea of being able to ogle over things on Pinterest and chat about clothes and the latest episode of Dr. Who makes me feel like I just gained two new best friends and it also helps remind me that I am only as old as I feel. I admit that sitting around giggling over a TV show and getting excited because I found A Christmas Stocking that looks like the TARDIS makes me feel like a teenager again-but with all the awkwardness and the acne.
So, perhaps this is the beginning of Sushi and Sherlock dates and A Sunday afternoon chat about Dr. Who and the late night IM's about how life is going. And if I can squeak in a trip to the mall for coffee, Cinnabon, Hot Topic and Aeropostale I will be ever so grateful.
To my soon to be 17 year old sister- I love you very much and I am so glad that I have the opportunity to be not only your sister, but your friend. I may not live in the same house but I will always be here for you. I will be here for the silly little chats where we can untangle the insane timelines that Clara and the Doctor are involved in as well as the serious ones when you need advice.
To my 13 year old sister- You are such a great balance to your older sisters. Together I see how you two get along and help each other. You are similar to one another but also different. You each have differing strengths and weaknesses. You help each other even if you are capable of driving each other nuts. I am so thankful for the two of you and I am here for you as well. We can text about MCR and your odd obsession with the lead singer or you can ask me for help if you are having a crappy day.

You two girls are growing up to be great young women. I am proud of you and I love you more than I could ever put into words.