Siblings

One of the things that I love about my family is how close in age my siblings and I are.  There were certainly challenges to having all four of us born in just three subsequent years (for us and our parents), but the reward has always been countless shared experiences.  We were on the same swim teams and soccer teams, participated in AWANA together, attended all of the same events in our youth group and hosted some of the loudest, funniest junior high sleepovers around.  There were times when we each longed for a friend we could call our very own, or for people to know us by name, rather than as indistinguishable siblings.  However, looking back I can personally say that the depth of relationship that I share with my family far outweighs the temporary inconvenience of having to constantly re-introduce myself to people at church. 

Top: Anna, Angela, Ricky, Me
Middle: My Dad, Ravi, Megan, My Mom, Shawn
Bottom: Jonathan
Siblings and spouses home for a holiday pre-children

College and first jobs moved us all away from our hometown but we came back often, bickered just as much as we always had but we also carried a new appreciated for the depth of our family bonds. 

My sister Angela was the first among us to get married, which is still one of the clearest and most memorable days of my life.  My stable, patient brother-in-law Ricky became part of our crew and we were forever changed as a family unit because of it.  None of us knew it at the time, but just a few short years later, there would be 3 more weddings all taking place within 9 celebration-packed months of each other. 

Cousins Caleb, Issac, Abigail & Nicole, summer 2019

When all of the wedding hoopla had died away, the first baby to arrive on the scene was Nicole.  Our little peanut wasn't alone in the world for very long because 4 months later my sister Angela gave birth to two incredible twin boys. 6 1/2 months after my nephews were born, my sister Anna gave birth to a beautiful and vibrant daughter which completed the first round of new babies in the family.  Jonah kicked off the second round and was quickly followed by two more girl cousins, both with gentle and quiet spirits.  My parents currently have 7 grandkids, all under the age of 3 1/2. 

Jonah with cousins Leah and Samantha

There is an undeniable intensity about gathering as a family with so many tiny children around.  Baby monitors are constantly passing hands, diapers are regularly being changed and weary parents are frequently attempting to nap their overtired child despite the army of small feet rushing around and the not-so-quiet shrieks and giggles that accompany them.  It's a season of baby gear and soft foods, nursing covers and board books.  No one can call it convenient or easy, but I think we can all agree that it's worth it. 

The whole gang, summer 2019

None of us knew that growing up so close in age would result in us having children of our own that are close in age, but we're thrilled about it.  Our kids get to grow up together and reap the sweet blessing of sharing life with other family members who are close in age.  What a blessing!

Love,
Erica