The power of two

In my recent fit of reorganization this week, I stumbled upon a bin of Quinlan's old clothes that just so happen to fit Margot. Aside from being a domestic zero at times (hey, at least it was an actual labeled bin and not an unmarked garbage bag!), I thought that I had sent all of her toddler-sized clothes off to my best friend when we were leaving Mississippi since I secretly knew we were having a boy and probably wouldn't need the dresses and 10 pairs of pink capri pants.

But alas, my sentimental and somewhat organized side must have taken over (yes, indeed, I have one, contrary to familial belief) and there they were, my favorite dresses and outfits.

And with them came the memories, many of which are documented right here when I started this blog nearly five years ago, when Quinlan was nearly 18 months.

The same age that Margot is now.

There was the Minnie Mouse costume that she insisted on wearing at the little consignment shop in our town and refused to take off. The Easter outfit that I carefully matched to her yellow leg cast to after she decided to do a crib dive. The white dress she wore in her 2nd birthday pictures.

Not until recently has it really hit me that I have two girls. It's been "3 kids" or "Girl, boy, and baby," but lately I find myself talking about "my two girls."

And it feels good.

The sister I had but lost. The close, loving relationship my friend and her sister have that I envy. The "hand-me-down" excuse to buy more expensive girl's clothes and shoes.  

And watching the similarities and differences of having two kids of the same gender unfold before my eyes.

There is something amazing about the combination of the familiar and the new, the feeling that I've somehow done this before but yet still experiencing it for the very first time.

It is the power of two.

[My husband got a new job, at least for the next few months, if you're curious about such things. Also, Amazon seems to be a bit back ordered on the Mominatrix book, so if you're looking to send it to someone for Mother's Day, order it from me - I can sign it for you and it will take about 3-5 days to get there].

Comments

[The New Girl]

Oh, yeah. That was me. That's how long I've been away from commenting on blogs. omfg.

[Motherhood Uncensored]

Aw, LOOK AT THEM.

LOOOOOOK!

I'm all teary-eyed.

[Kami]

In my family growing up there was me, my brother and my sister. I've always been closer with my brother. But there is something special about having a sister. Who gives me great medical advice. Even though she's not a doctor.

[Scout's Honor]

So sweet. I come from a family of five sisters who I am currently not speaking to and may never again. And yet? It still breaks my heart my own little girl will never have a sister...

~Scout

[mom, again]

ah, as a sisterless woman, I was so pleased to have two girls, friends for life I thought. My mom and aunt laughed in my face--but now my widowed aunt is considering moving 800 miles to Florida to be nearer her sister so the childhood connection even matters when you are both nearing 70.

Meanwhile, my two despise each other, except of course, when they need each other. They have nothing in common except their genes, but sometimes, that's all you need.

*jealous* of both generations. My favorite sister in law is divorcing my brother, the closest thing I've had to a sister is now useless to me. (Please, no one tell me how she and I could still be friends. In theory, yes.ex-in-laws can be friends. In this particular case, the details of the situation say: no.)

[mom101]

I don't think I ever realized how similar they looked until seeing these photos side by side.

You do make some happy children, don't you.

[JCF]

I currently have one boy and one girl and am due in 10 weeks with #3 (gender unknown). I can't wait to find out if we'll have 2 brothers or 2 sisters in our family and what that will do to the family dynamic--honestly, either way would be great!

[Stacia]

You just can't go wrong with two girls and a shared Minnie Mouse costume. Yay for the power of two (and a rodent in polka dots)!

[Emily]

It always takes me a while to go from "baby" to "boy" or "girl" too. And now I say "my boys and girls" and it is SO WEIRD.

My girls are 7 year apart and adore each other. I love seeing their sisterhood blossom; I have 2 brothers and always wished I'd had a sister.

[Mads Mom]

Oh I so hope my next one will be a girl b/c of all the reasons you and your readers mentioned above AND b/c I don't want to learn a new thing (I hear keeping the little boys peepee clean is a pain! And no thank you, I'm not into golden showers!)

Love the pics!

[Melissa Parlaman (Graco Contributor)]

I also have two adorable little girls--they are 3 years apart. i love seeing them play with each other--they are so in love with each other! i grew up with a sister too so it is so much fun to have pink & purple take over the house

[Issa]

Two girls is neat. I love watching the relationship mine have. Most days at least. I always wanted a sister and I just hope mine grow up to be friends.

It's so crazy to me that I remember when Q was 18 months. Because I started what a month after you? B was 19 months in my first post. And now they're five and a half. How the hell did that happen?

[Vivacious_G]

Bah, I clicked on the sister link and left a comment there instead. Anyway, sweet sweet post. xo