Big Sister Ellie

Ellie's unconditional love for her little sister really amazes me. Rowena cries, fusses, pulls hair, and takes up time with Mommy and yet Ellie still adores her and can't seem to get enough of her. From the day Rowena was born Ellie has loved Rowena and hasn't even shown flashes of jealousy for this new girl in our life. I thought that the novelty was going to wear off and that Ellie would lose interest in this little baby that couldn't do more than flash her smiles, but I was wrong. The moment Rowena starts to fuss Ellie is there to give her her binkie, make a toy dance or sing Rowena a song while bouncing her. Rowena's first smiles and "coos" have all been for Ellie and almost every morning they have a long "coo"ing session on my bed.

Ellie has become such a big help with Rowena that even though it calls for a little more muscle we've actually moved Rowena's car seat to the very back of our mini van to be with Ellie. Yes, I did say MINIVAN and all those who knock minivans can zip it because my Toyota Sienna ROCKS!! And by the way, you CAN be cool and drive a minivan at the same time!!! :)

ANYWAY, back to Ellie and Rowena in the van. The other day in the car Matt and I had to work to hold back our laughter because when Rowena started crying Ellie automatically began to rock Row's car seat and make the "shh-shh-shh" sound. What made this so funny is that Ellie did all that while continuing to feed herself fries AND watch a show on the DVD player. In fact, she never took her eyes off the show during the whole thing. It was like second nature to this little 5 year old girl to be taking care of this newborn! And even though it took a bit before Rowena calmed down, Ellie never complained or said a peep. She just patiently rocked the car seat and softly "shh"ed until Rowena fell back asleep.

This girl is amazing and I could never do this without her!!