Baby Sister

I was 5-1/2, sitting on the step under the phone, waiting for "the call" announcing the birth of my baby sister.  No matter what anyone else said, I WAS getting a baby sister that day!  I had packed together a little basket of toys for her... a doll with bottle, some fake food from our playroom kitchen, a little blanket, some Fisher Price people and farm animals... I was ready for my baby sister.
And the call came!
She was mine from the first minute.  If she made the smallest sound in the night, I was there, reaching my little arm through the slats on the baby bed to put her "paci" back in her mouth or pat her little back.  I still remember well those big brown eyes of hers, staring back at me over her pacifier.  We were bonded together.  I would fall asleep in the rocking chair next to her bed, refusing to leave until she was asleep.
Through the years, there were very few things that I would do that did not welcome or involve my baby sister.  She was there for all my adventures.
She could run like the wind, and dance and flip. She still can do a herkie... I have proof.  She can still remember every word of all kinds of obscure songs and all the popular ones.  She makes up great songs, too.  She's smart and funny, insanely organized and capable, and is a wonderful mom.  When we are together, tears and sore bellies are always an indicator of our silly, uncontrollable laughter over the simplest of things seen or said... in stores, while driving, in church, it doesn't matter. Something will spontaneously erupt between us at some point, and I LOVE it!
She believes in me, and I in her.  She lets me share my insanity, and graciously allows me to be there for her when she is experiencing moments of weakness.  She has produced two little humans that have my heart and delight my life.
She is my sister.  She is my friend.  She is an amazing, wonderful person.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE!!  I love you!