I was an only child for a while – six years and nineteen days to be exact, which is more than enough time to become really self-centered – and it was pretty nice while it lasted. When I did get word that my only-child days would soon be over, I started praying for a little brother and dreaming about having someone I could play ball with and do guy things with. I got a little sister instead. I was a little shocked and disappointed at the time, but I got over it. I eventually got over some of my self-centeredness and learned to love my little sister – still do – always will. Six years later I got a little brother, which just goes to show that God does answer prayer.
Sometimes it was kind of lonely being the oldest sibling. I had friends who had older siblings and it sounded kind of neat. Hearing some of the stories about their experiences with their older brothers or sisters – especially the ones about giving big sisters a hard time – sounded like loads of fun. I was a pro at making life miserable for my little sister, so I just knew that I would have been really good at irritating a big sister.
This big-little sister stuff came back to me in a flash when I received this photograph of little Ali:
I wonder if this is how I might have looked when I got the word that I would no longer be the only one to have toys under the tree on Christmas, that I would waste many hours of my life waiting to get into the bathroom, that I would no longer be the only child.
Nah… I probably looked more like this:
I don’t know if I did a very good job of being a big brother, but I am sure that Ali is going to be a sweetheart of a Big Sister.
This is how I know:
Congratulations Big Sister! – and Mom & Dad too!
Grampy Lash 
Well — it looks like we get to share another grand-baby. What happy news. Jodi said she told you that she gave me your blog address. I enjoy reading about your beautiful granddaughters — one in particular. She told me that she told you not to write about the news until she
had a chance to tell me. If I were you I would be ready to pop. Thanks for allowing her to be the bearer of the great news. I hope you don’t mind me looking in from time to time.
Congratulations Grandpa!!!
This is the kind of thing that one wants to tell the whole world – and this is the best place to do it. I will try to continue to provide these kind of things to the best of my ability – and you and the whole world are welcome to take a peek any time you like.
I am breathing a little more easily now.
… and Congratulations to you too Grandma!
What do you mean you don’t know if you did a good job at being a big brother? You’re the best–and still doing a great job as my big brother. I have always looked up to you and always will, even if you do sing beer commercials and make my arm turn red.
Even though our parents hadn’t planned on me, it’s nice to know that you did. Thanks for praying me into this world. Reminds me of when I was just a child myself when people would ask me who my hero was. Not
some fictional superhero. It was(and still is)~ my Big Brother!