Updated August 14, 2017
Dear Kennedy,
Things abruptly changed for you about six months ago when your little sister got out of mommy’s belly and came home from the hospital with us. You were used to having mommy and daddy all to yourself. You and I spent all summer together. We went to the library, Chick-fil-A, played with friends, and watched a little too much TV. It was a blast.
No matter the amount of talks and “big sister” books we read, it probably didn’t prepare you for what was to come. All of a sudden there was a tiny little baby in our house. The baby was loud – probably much louder than you anticipated. The baby was always being held, and the baby always needed mommy.
If this upset you, it was hard to tell. You embody grace, especially for such a big girl who’s three years old. Even though you showed a big interest in the baby, you continued your life as usual, and you didn’t seem to mind that the baby needed a lot of attention.
This had to be hard on you. I know it did. I know this because you had trouble in other areas, like using the potty. It was your one thing you could hold on to for control, and I guess I don’t blame you. But, you never seemed jealous or upset with mommy and daddy.
I’m a big sister, too. Sometimes there’s a lot of pressure on us to set an example, not act like a baby, and try new things to show that we are so big and so independent. Sometimes we just have to be flexible, whether we like it or not. Sometimes, we get less attention and less praise. Big sisters have a tough job, but you were cut out for it. You’ve got this.
Now that your little sister has been with us for a little over six months, you use the potty like a big girl, and you are becoming so independent. The struggles you were having before seem to be no more. That doesn’t mean life is easy from here on out, but I have a feeling you will handle those with that same grace.
Kennedy, you need to know that we are proud of you. I don’t tell you this enough. You have a kind spirit, a hilarious sense of humor, a vocabulary that amazes me daily, and the potential to be anything.
Most importantly, you have love. I realized this the other day when the first thing you asked from waking up from your nap was, “Where is Caroilne?” Then later, you sat there and hugged her face with gusto (maybe a little too much gusto). And a little bit later, you found such joy feeding her puffs. Your little sister smiles from ear to ear when she sees your face, and always looks for you when she hears your voice. Even though I’m her mommy, I have a feeling that you’re her favorite person.
Want to know why?
It’s because of the love that radiates out of you. In the future, I know you will probably dislike her for taking your toys, or borrowing your clothes. There may be some days or years that you aren’t very good friends. But she’s your sister. And this love right now? Promise me you’ll always carry it in your heart.
Keep shining, sweet Kennedy. I adore you!
Love,
Mommy
Katie says
Gah this made me all teary!
Kennedy is such a awesome kid, she’s one of my favorite people too!
Anne says
She’ll love reading this when she gets older. 🙂
Caitlin says
Gee, thanks, Megan! Making me cry before my 9:30 class!
But I do love these girls so very much!! 🙂
Neely says
Literally crying
Brynn says
this brought tears to my eyes! so sweet, Megan.
Kennedy is beautiful!
Teale says
Oh my goodness, what a lovely letter! I am part of the crowd that also teared up!
Tawnya Faust says
I meant to read this post yesterday so I’m glad you posted it to our group today! 🙂 I LOVE it. So heartfelt and your girls are just beautiful little souls!
I have to admit I’m a little hesitant to add another baby to our family, as much as I want one I am loving the stage we’re in now and I worry about Scarlett. I know she would love being a big sister but I worry about the initial adjustment having no family here for help.
Nina says
This made me all teary too! I’m gonna blame it on pregnancy hormones 😉 Such a beautiful post. I hope my son is half as good a big sibling as Kennedy is.
Meg says
This is so sweet! I love the photos of Kennedy and Caroline! You are doing a great job of being mommy to both girls.
Amy G. says
And my heart just exploded. I know what it’s like to be a bug sister too Kennedy and it sounds like you’re doing a pretty fabulous job! Big sister is a hard job but somebody has to do it!
Tabitha Blue says
So, so cute!! And so sweet. Just love your family photos! And I love how well big sisters seem to embrace “their baby”. 🙂
Amy says
This is just so so special.
Jess Beer says
I’m a big sister too, and this is awesome. Nothing like sisterhood!
Alycia says
This is such a beautiful post. I love every single word you wrote. It makes me think of the day we will make Palmer a big sister, how she will take on the role. I can only how it’s as gracefully and beautiful as the way Kennedy has accepted it!!
She sounds like an exceptional little girl! XO
Ashley says
So. Many. Tears. I’ve read through this several times and every time I do I get teary all over again! So sweet!
Jessica DImas says
This post was so amazing. It had me in tears not only because it was so beautifully written, but it had me thinking about my older son and all that he’s accomplished being a big brother, and it even made me think of MYSELF being the older sister. Amazing amazing post and I’m not surprised at all that Huffington snatched this up. Congrats to you again!!!!
Kristen says
This is such a cute post! Your little family is adorable and this post made me choke up!!
stephanie says
This is so sweet!! What a wonderful post! 🙂