I was seven months pregnant when I hopped in the car and drove the stretch between Logan Utah and Rexburg Idaho. The drive there seemed to drag as I made my way to see my perfect new nephew, Remmington. When I got there, I could hardly keep my feet from running in the doors of the hospital. My excitement grew as I got closer to meeting my little Rem. When I finally got him in my arms I thought my heart would burst with love. All I wanted was for time to stop so I could hold that beautiful boy forever. But time doesn’t stop. Now with two and a half kids of my own, I don’t get all the snuggles I want from my wonderful nephews and niece. But my heart still longs to freeze the few moments when I get to give them a tight hug or play with them.

Now my second niece is coming for me to snuggle! I get a little anxious when my phone dies because I’m worried I will miss the call that my sister-in-law is in labor. Any minute my incredibly strong and amazing sister-in-law Marijke will bring another perfect spirit into the world and I cannot wait!

Marijke and I have had the special opportunity to go through all our pregnancies together. It hasn’t always been easy. With our own newborns,  it has been difficult to hold each other up and support each other the way sisters should, when a new baby comes. But seeing the way that our kids love each other and teach each other new things makes it worth it! I have to admit that I’m a little excited to have a little more time between our babies this go around. Now I can hold, snuggle and spoil this princess the way she deserves!

I just want to thank you for being part of my family. I knew from the first time Christer brought you home to meet us that you were right for him. He had never looked at anyone the way he did you! Thankful doesn’t describe how I feel about our babies having each other. Thank you for teaching me so much about being a mother! I love you Marijke! Thank you for being my sister!