new cousins
When my sister got married a while back, two little girls joined our lives and family in addition to a new brother-in-law. I admit that at first I didn't know how to react to having two new nieces overnight. But it is turning out to be even better than any of us (adults) could've hoped. Elisabeth is so thrilled to have two new cousins so close in age (my husband's nieces and nephews are all a lot older than our children), and it has given my sister and me something new to share with one another.
These shots are from a recent afternoon when the younger of the girls spent the afternoon with us while my sister took the eldest to a birthday party.
It feels like it has been such a long time that I have been doing the "mama thing" while my three younger siblings have been going to college and doing the "20's thing." So it's been really fun to reconnect with my sister at the zoo, over sprinklers (that the kids are running through), and through naptimes and bedtimes. Her experience as a (new) step-mom is different than my mothering experience, but there are a lot of things about the day-to-day joys and challenges of being with children that we share.
I can't even begin to imagine my younger sibs with kids. And to have them the same age as mine-- what a dream! My kids would love to have cousins to play with. It sounds like a lovely way to connect with your sister, too. Hurray for cousins!
Posted by: Sara | Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I have a niece that is about the same age as my daughter and it can be wonderful when they're together - challenging sometimes too. It has given my sister and I something to connect about when we didn't maybe feel that way before.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 02:32 PM
What a treat for Elle! Cousins (even instant ones!) are such a great connection for kids. It teaches them that there are people in the world to whom they may not be completely similar but that they're stuck with for the long haul. And not in a bad way- friends may come and go, but family sticks. You know what I mean?
Posted by: Alicia A. | Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 07:22 PM
My children are best friends with all of their cousins. I was always really close to my cousins. What special blessings.
Posted by: char | Friday, June 01, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Its great that you and your sister are able to connect in this new way.
Posted by: Mae | Friday, June 01, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Cousins are the best! We are getting reaquainted with our cousins this summer. Great photos of a special time.
Posted by: Eren | Saturday, June 02, 2007 at 12:16 PM