The Best Present I Could Ever Give My Children

I’ve noticed something very interesting during this, my 3rd pregnancy. If I’m out in public alone, I get a lot of this: “Oh how far along are you?” from smiling faces. They almost always follow up with “How exciting! Is this your first?” When I am out with my kids, it’s very different. I have 2 girls who are 4 and almost 3. The top comment “you had to try for a boy, huh?” or “whoa 3 kids?!” or my personal favorite “What are you going to do if it’s another girl?”

One women, while in line at the grocery store told me she’d never have more than 2 children, because a third would only take away from the time and “things” she could be giving to the other two. That comment really got me thinking. Come October, would we be so strapped on time and money that we’d be taking away from our children? The thought upset me, and really got me thinking. 

Since my first was born, I’ve spent countless hours researching the “best” of everything from the top sippy cups to the best preschool. I try my best to buy organic, and even made some of their baby food. I’ve tried so hard to only give my girls the best, but the very best thing I’ve ever given them, is each other. 

They learn from each other, love each other, play, laugh and grow together everyday. 

Both girls enjoy preschool, but there was one morning that Alex, my younger daughter, was upset at drop off. I was talking to her, trying to comfort her, when Maggie, my older daughter,  got out of her classes line and walked over. She took Alex by the hand, walked her right to her classroom’s door, opened up her backpack and pulled out her favorite princess tiara. She put it on Alex’s head and hugged her tight. Alex smiled, waved to me and walked into the classroom. 

They have each other, and always will. As a mother, you want to take care of your children at every moment and in every situation, but it’s important to see that they have other people watching out for them and loving them all the time. For Maggie and Alex, I see this everyday, as I watch them look out for each other. From the playground to brushing either other’s hair, their bond is strong and important. 

I’ve given them the best gift I know, a sibling. Come October, I will bring home another sibling, another gift to grow along side them forever. 

My parents have provided everything for my brothers and me. There was not much we every wanted for, from toys to top schools. We were very fortunate in all we had, but the greatest thing my parents ever gave me was certainly my siblings. Sure we fought a lot; all three of us are very different people, but we have each other in every situation. The pride I have for my brothers’ accomplishments can only be compared to the pride I have now for my own children. My siblings make me laugh, cry, worry and offer constant support, and they always have. 

I married into a family full of wonderful loving siblings too. My husband grew up one of four; he has a support system and three older sisters. For my husband and me, our 5 siblings are our family, our roots and give us the love we need in all situations. The joy our siblings bring us is the joy we hope for our children; it drives our desire for a large family. Girl or boy, we are just overjoyed with the gift of being able to grow our brood. 

My husband and I don’t have much room in our house, but in our hearts, we have room for a big family, full of siblings, like the lives we grew up in. I shouldn’t expect strangers to understand that. I do hope my girls understand that and embrace the newest member of our family. I watch their love for each other grow more each day, and in my heart, I know they will be thankful for the addition of another sibling. Perhaps not the first few months, but throughout their lives, this gift. Brother or sister, we can’t wait to meet the newest sibling in our growing family. 

This post was featured on The Huffington Post and on the HuffPost Parents Facebook page.