Watching My Daughters Grow Into Sisters: Our Year In Pictures

Technically Maggie & Alex became sisters back in 2011, the day Alex was born. Here is the moment they first met:

I was thrilled to bring a baby sister home for Maggie. They are only 18 months apart & knew I was bringing home her life long friend. I suppose I assumed they would have that bond from the start. I don’t remember a time that I didn’t love my siblings, but then again, I don’t remember being 3 years old & having my 1st sibling brought home. Maggie was 18 months old & had zero interest in Alex. If it weren’t for Alex “stealing” some of my attention, she would have ignored her completely. 

 I had high hopes of sweet pictures of Maggie holding Alex when she was an infant, but it didn’t happen. We’d get a glimpse at sisterly moments here & there, but not much. Of course, I got frustrated. I had to constantly remind myself how little they were & a bond is certainly not something that can be forced.

Around last Christmas, everything began to change. Alex was nearing 18 months & Maggie was almost 3. They started playing together more & more. A year later, they have a bond like none other. 

Alex follows Maggie around everywhere. She’s always curious what Maggie is doing & Maggie is patient enough to show her. Maggie is learning just how bossy a big sister can be & the one who dictates who is who: for example Maggie is always Dora, Alex has to be  Diego. 

For me, the highlight of the past few months, has been preschool pickup. Alex is so excited she can hardly contain herself. She peeks in the door, practically dancing in place, just waiting for the teacher to call Maggie’s name to be dismissed. When Maggie’s name is called, she runs out the door into Alex’s arms. They hug so tight, smiles ear to ear. This happens just about each preschool day. 

In my heart, I knew this was a special year for these two. I watched them snuggle in the morning, play together all day, have sisterly battles by late afternoon & chat over dinner. When I looked back at my favorite pictures of 2013, I saw before me, a year of bright memories of watching my two sweet girls form a strong sisterly bond. 

I will always remember 2013 as the year I watched my daughters grow into sisters. I’ll think of them starting to tell each other “I love you” each night before bed & how they held hands everywhere they went. From twirling lessons in the yard to the start of them “putting on shows” for me daily, this was a year of smiles & blessings. 

Happy New Year!