Sisters.

Every time I let literally months go between posts, I get all confused about what to post next. Do I update you on the past few months or just continue right along. I'm going to try and merge the biggest thing that's happened in the last two months with a post I've wanted to write for a while.

This post is clearly titled, "Sisters."

On June 29th, my sister had her second daughter, Elena Michelle. I had the privilege of spending much of that day waiting for Elena to arrive with my older niece, Emily.  She is almost three and was eager to have a new baby sister. Over the past few weeks she has taken on the role of big sister with ease.

with Elena at the hospital

It's been through this process of seeing Emily begin growing into her role of being a big sister that I've been able to see and think about my big sister.

Emily & Elena

Melissa and I are 3.5 years apart. Emily and Elena are almost 3 years apart. It's a great gap if you ask me! Melissa and I have had our fair share of disputes in the past, but we don't tend to dwell on those at all. We are very different and very similar at the same time...

Things we have in common:

• our voice & mannerisms
  
• 116 friends according to Facebook
• love for sweets
• goal-oriented
• we shared the same Home Group in College Station

Things we differ on:

• interest in sports and sports teams
• she understands business in ways that for me is a laughing matter
• birth order. obviously, but more in regards to personality types
• humor and joke telling. I'll let you guess who is funnier. :)
• fondness for eggs. I eat eggs daily. Melissa doesn't like them. 
• I drink black coffee. Melissa drinks hot chocolate.
  

I remember growing up playing with Precious Places, which are still the coolest stinking toy ever invented. Or playing Mall Madness and never being able to get "kitchen store" out of our heads. She had her own bathroom growing up and it was sooo cool with those fish on the walls. She also had scripture on her mirror that stayed up forever but is the reason I know John 16:33.

big sister & little sister

I remember riding in the Corsica with her to high school and always being late to freshman biology. I remember her letting me hang out with her friends in high school and how influential that was in my life. I remember the night I almost didn't go Kappa and the tears that were shed at the KKG house in College Station. I remember knowing the night she was going to get engaged and being at her apartment before she left. I remember the night before she got married thinking things would never be the same, and they are definitely different, but so much for the better!

I'll never forget her taking the trip to Buenos Aires during my study abroad trip and getting to experience some of the best moments. I remember driving down Texas in College Station when she called to tell me she was pregnant with Emily. I remember when Emily was born and they moved back to the Bonsai... and then back to Dallas.

with Melissa in Uruguay in 2008

I am extremely blessed to have a big sister. One who knows me and cares deeply for me. Who accepts our differences and affirms me in what God is doing in my life. I can't begin to tell you how many times she has helped me make sense of life and where God is taking me.

There is the book, called "Big Sister and Little Sister" that I read growing up. Melissa now has it and I got to read it to Emily the day that Elena was born. It's a book about how Big Sister always takes care of Little Sister, but at the end, Little Sister has to comfort and care for Big Sister. It's a sweet child's book, that just reminded me how sweet sisterhood is.

little sister and big sister

with Zach getting his aggie ring.

There have been many joyous moments as sisters. And now getting to watch Emily and Elena have each other, I will continue to grow more and more grateful for the sister I've been given. There may be many hard times ahead, but there will also be many exciting things to experience together as well. I couldn't be more excited to experience those things with my big sister and also my best friend.

I love you Missy.

-Kimbo, Doodo, Little Sister.