Sweetest Sisters

I worried my entire pregnancy about how much introducing a new family member into our family of three was going to affect Kate.  I can't tell you how many nights I lost sleep thinking about it.  (I should've been working on the blog...)

But then Maya was born, and aside from the first two weeks being a major adjustment, which thinking back may have been the result of me not being my normal either (you know, recovering from pushing a baby out doesn't allow you to run/chase/jump/etc. that normally), Kate has BLOWN ME AWAY with the love she has for her sister.

Every morning, Kate wants to know where Maya is.  Most times Maya is still sleeping, but when Maya gets up Kate is all over her.  She physically climbs into Maya's bassinet to get close to her.  The morning snuggles and kisses are daily, but these snuggles and kisses happen throughout the rest of the day too.  When Maya is doing tummy time, Kate sometimes joins her.  When I'm feeding Maya, Kate gently kisses Maya's head and pats her softly.  When Maya is in her swing, Kate will go over to her and adjust her blanket and give her yet another kiss.

And Maya ABSOLUTELY ADORES Kate!  I mean, Kate smiles for Maya so quickly and she always gets the biggest, gummiest, squintiest smiles of all!

I have been extremely impressed with my big girl.  She already looks after Maya.  She's already got Maya's back.  She already wants to share with Maya, teach Maya what she knows, and help Maya learn about the world around her.  She is so kind and caring and [most times] gentle, and she is going to make an incredible mommy one day.  She has never once (so far) not wanted Maya around.  Quite frankly, it's the opposite.  She usually wants to wake Maya up from her nap earlier than normal which I quickly counteract!

All of that worrying, and for what?

I am just so, SO proud of the way Kate has handled becoming a big sister.  At nearly three years old she has done it with so much maturity and poise, yet still has that wonderfully goofy and silly side that Maya loves.  She is a perfect balance of a big sister and I know that Maya will forever look up to her.

I know I do.

Here's a collection of just some of the love that these two sisters have shared over the past 2.5 months.

Kate performing a check-up on one month old Maya.

Sisters.

Kate showing Maya the yarn for a craft we were doing.

Swing snuggles.

Maya cannot take her eyes off of Kate.

Sweetest kiss from the best big sis!

Good morning snuggles!

Kate insisted that Maya should wear one of her necklaces.

And she even helped her put it on.

Little necklace loves!

More morning snuggles!

Kate thought it'd be nice for Maya to sit with her during
part of her Sofia the First episode.  Now that is love!

The sisters that tummy time together, always have each other's backs!

And even more morning snuggles with a little
lesson on putting on chapstick!

I would just like to state for the record that none of these photos were prompted, suggested, pushed, or set up, other than asking for a "smile" every now and then.

This is pure, unadulterated, sister love.  This bond will never be broken.