Dear Eisley,
As a firstborn, I can’t even imagine what it must be like to be a third child… and the third of three girls, no less. Life is swirl of chaos all around you – snacks and shows, discipline and dancing, tutus and tantrums. You take it all in so calmly. You don’t even flinch when your two year-old sister smashes her forehead into yours. It’s affection. But it must be uncomfortable at times.
And sometimes I leave you hanging. In your crib. In the bouncer. You want to be held, but I have no hands. I am juggling breakfasts and diaper changes and you start to whimper. “Hold on, Eisley!” I say, with a hint of desperation in my voice.
This boisterous sisterhood is all you’ll ever know. You will grow up adaptable – willing to share or ready to fight for what you want. It won’t be calm. It won’t be quiet. You’ll probably share a room for the next 15 years, at least.
But someday these older sisters will move out… onto the next adventure. And it will be just a little bit quieter. And a little bit calmer. You won’t need me then, like you do now, but I hope you’ll let me make these days up to you. Maybe we’ll go shopping or grab coffee or whatever it is you like to do. We can pretend you’re my only child for just a few hours.
But when our special day is done, I think we’ll both realize that the loud, full house you grew up in shaped you in all the best ways. I hope you’ll always say that having sisters made you kind, that sharing a room made you humble, and that watching your mom raise a bunch of girls taught you about beauty, strength, and grace.
Love,
Mama
