When I was 9 years old, my parents sat me down and told me there was going to be another baby. I found this news to be a mixture of excitement and worry. A new baby sounded fun, but I was also used to being the baby myself. A few months later, we found out it would be another little girl, and my older sister and I rejoiced.
As my mom’s due date drew closer, people kept making the same comment over and over to me. “Oh your mom is due at the beginning of March – wouldn’t it be amazing if your sister arrived on your birthday?” Naturally, I found this horrifying. If she knew what was good for her, she’d stay a safe distance away from February 24th.
And so when she arrived on the 19th, I put on my party dress and got ready to meet my new little sis.
It’s a strange thing to grow up with a ten year age difference. We were never into the same toys or TV shows. It was more like having a real live baby doll who played, laughed, screamed, and pooped in the bathtub.
I often joke with Sarah that after my parents got divorced, I was left to raise her. While I am joking, it’s true that I ended up spending a most of my time with her so that my mom could work.
And though we grew up with ten years between us, over time that distance has seemed to fade. And now here we are 20 years later, and the best of friends.
Last year, we were lucky enough to have her come spend the summer with us and help us settle into Seattle. She listened to endless pregnancy talk, endured countless trips to Babies R Us, and joked that she’d be back the next year to work as a nanny.
And just as it seemed she’d be spending this summer at home in Ohio, she got a last minute opportunity to take an internship in Seattle, and hopped on a plane.
While she was here we had a list of things we wanted to do together – paddle boarding, beach days, places to eat, etc. – and I’m happy to say that we squeezed them all in.
And as much fun as those things have been, the best part for me has been watching her with Cullen. She is such a natural with him, and I love watching him laugh and giggle at her goofy dances and songs. When she and Casey come home at the end of the work day, his face lights up with smiles.
And it’s been fun for me to look back and realize that so many of the things she and Cullen did this summer…
Are the things I loved to do with her when she was his age.
I know that it’s rare for siblings our age to get so much interrupted quality time together, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have shared another great summer with her. Even though I am the (much) older sister, she still teaches me a thing or two – like that boot cut jeans are no longer in style (oops). I like to think I’ve helped her to grow too, and as she gets ready to move beyond college, I hope I’ve nudged her to step out on ledges and take chances.
And so as another great summer drew to a close, we celebrated with one last night out on the town and a babysitter back at home.
A delicious and extravagant four course vegan dinner at Sutra on Thursday…
An afternoon of sunshine at the park on Friday…
And we spent the final evening of our summer checking off the very last item on our to-do list – go out on a boat – tubing around Lake Washington and screaming at the top of our lungs.
We had a (very) teary goodbye at the airport this morning, and the house feels really quiet without her here. But I feel incredibly lucky to have had an amazing few months with my summer sister. Until next year!
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What a great post! It sounds like it was nice summer.
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You are on a roll with these beautiful posts lately. Your sister seems lovely, and you are both gorgeous!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:28 am
Thanks Hannah! :)
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Sisters are a special gift; glad you could enjoy a beautiful summer with yours.
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Gah I am crying! I adore your family :)I am lucky that I live with my family but I know that it won’t be for long.
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What a great post! So nice to have spent that time with your sister, and it sounds like you made the very best of it & cherished each moment! So sweet :)
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You guys are such a beautiful family! And it is great that we grow up and are able to appreciate our siblings more. I have a little bro that is 10 yrs younger as well and we are now becoming good friends, which is really nice.
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This is such a beautiful post! What an incredible summer. I love the comparison photos between “then and now.” :)
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Such a beautiful post, Emily! Yours is the blog I most enjoy reading, especially with your writing skills :)
Oh, and I loved tubing on the lake at my cousins’ house in Michigan as a kid – so fun! Sounds like a great way to end your fun summer together.
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You’re so lucky to have her! You guys sound like great sisters. My brother & I are 6 years apart and it’s been hard, but the older we get the more we’re starting to understand and enjoy spending time together.
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What a beautiful post! And beautiful sisters!
p.s. I love your dress in the last few photos! Where did you get it??
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Kristin Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
i second this!!! loved this post and that dress!
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Kate Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
Third! Amazing post, and I need to know where you found that dress! It looks great on you.
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:25 am
I am embarrassed to tell you all that I think it is from Delia’s…
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:27 am
I think it is from Delia’s!!
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I think bootcut jeans are still in style :) At least they aren’t high-waisted, pleated Lee jeans!
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Elena Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
I agree- I’m so over skinny jeans. Bootcut and flare all the way!
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emily Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Bootcuts tend to shorten legs and not lengthen, which is why they’ve gotten “the boot” (ha!) from fashion mags. Flares still work as long as they’re worn with wedges ;) It’s not just skinny jeans for the masses, it’s just that straight leg styles that don’t widen at the ankle have replaced bootcuts as the more universal flattering style.
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Jillian Reply:
August 12th, 2012 at 1:05 am
Aside from any sort of stand-out washes/colors/patterns, I don’t pay any attention to supposed jean “trends”. I wear vintage/dark wash J Brand skinny jeans (esp with boots) and their Lovestory flares- they are pretty much all I wear, and I always look good in them- it’s not like something happens every other year and suddenly they don’t look good on me anymore. I never liked bootcut for the reason mentioned, though, so I’ve just never worn them.
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Kris Reply:
August 12th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Bootcuts actually do not shorten the leg, and they have not totally gotten the “boot” from fashion mags since they are universally recognized as a classic.
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emily Reply:
August 12th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Ok, guess we’re not reading the same stuff. Cheers!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:20 am
I should have been more clear about my specific jeans. They were HIDEOUS. Gap Long & Leans in an awful light blue color. The intervention was more than necessary. :)
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Amy Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
I still like bootcut jeans! But I do prefer the dark colors. :) To be honest, us hourglass girls (with a lot going on in the hip/thigh area) have to have a little flare at the bottom, regardless of shoes. Straight cut/skinny jeans just won’t work!
Leah Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 8:23 am
Agreed! They are still very much in style. Boot cut jeans work really well with heels or of course…boots. You can even cuff them and they are cute with flats! They are shown as an option in magazines like Allure and Real Simple (where they suggest jean styles based on body shape). I think the super low boot cut ones are not in style for women outside of teen years. So, low cut but not SUPER low cut.
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oh what a sweet post! I have a sister who is more than 10 years younger than me and I LOVE the unique, special relationship we’re able to have!!
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Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing :)
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I love this post. My sister and I are 10 years apart, and live in separate states (Florida/Massachusetts). I only see her 1-2 times per year, and it’s so special. She’s my older sister and I love her so much. Plus, last year our mother died, so it’s even more special now. Our goodbyes are short because i seriously cry so hard.
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Awww this is so sweet. Makes me wish I had a sister so badly!!
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It’s so wonderful you have such a close bond with your sister! I am an only child (technically I have 2 older half-brothers) so it’s really just me. I often wish I had a sister to share my life with, but I am super close with my mom so we do A LOT together!
I am about to leave for college myself and I’m definitely not looking forward to saying goodbye either :(
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My brother-in-law is 10 years younger than myself and my husband. They are quite close as well. He just spent a couple of weeks with us in July. With all the heat they’ve been dealing with in OH he’s been begging to come back to WA!
My own siblings are so close to my age that I don’t remember them being born! So, it’s interesting to hear my husband talk about his childhood because his mother’s pregnancy and his brother’s early years are perfectly intact memories.
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Love it! I also love the dress you have on in the dinner photos…where is it from?
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:26 am
I think it is from Delia’s!
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I’ve never had a sister, but I can attest to the bond between siblings as my brothers are my best friends…for life. What a beautiful post and those photos of her and Cullen are gorgeous!
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This is such a sweet post about sisters. It reminds me of my relationship with my (much (17 years)) older sister. Enjoy the time you have with her now because as she gets older, you might not be as lucky!
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i absolutely loved this post, emily! i am sitting here teary-eyed! i am the youngest of 3 sisters and my oldest sister is 9 years older than me. growing up, we had absolutely zero in common, I was the little annoying sister who changed everything and whom she had to babysit and keep her diary hidden from. it was probably when i was in college thy we came to a turning point in our relationship- i even lived with her for a summer during grad school after she jasmines had her second baby and i helped out a lot with the kids when i wasn’t in class. so your relationship sounds very familiar and it definitely grows and grows as you both get older! thanks for sharing the lovely post!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:26 am
Sounds just like us! How cool!
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What an amazing summer you had! My sister Heather is 17 years older than me. You’re absolutely right that as we get older that age gap disappears. Growing up she was like a 2nd mom to me … and extremely annoying at time ;) Now, she is my best friend and confidant. I look up to her in so many ways … the same way that I am sure Sarah looks at you.
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I really enjoyed reading this. My oldest daughter (by birth) is 8 yrs older than my 2nd daughter (by birth) and they do have a good relationship but there is occasional resentment from the oldest..it is always a fleeting attitude but one that no mother wants to see!
I have a total of 7 blessings (3 by birth and 4 by adoption) and it makes me so happy to think of my children as adults and friends. We always say that our children are best friends and not just siblings.
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My sister is 14 years younger than me, so I totally know where you’re coming from. She’s one of my favorite people ever :)
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real *tears* — you’ve turned me into such a sap!
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My sister is exactly 12 years older then me – I was her 12th birthday present. I loved the story of you and your sister. We are now 66 and 78 and closer then ever. It is a bond that few are lucky to have. Our Mom died when I was 21 and a new mother, she was the one who answered all my “dumb” new mother questions. You and your sister are lucky.
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My little sister is 9 years younger and actually just arrived today for a few weeks visit before starting her senior year at college. I am much closer to her than my sister that is 2 years younger, I absolutely love and cherish our time together.
PS – if bootcut jeans aren’t in style…what are? Jeggings?
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Haha well maybe some bootcuts are, but MY jeans were horrible. Too light of a wash, and just a really bad cut.
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An absolutely heart-felt post. I am 9 years younger than my brother, and due to the guy-girl situation we aren’t quite as close as you and your sister, but I do have a ton of fond memories similar to yours to reflect on from the angle of “looking up” to my brother (both physically and in many other ways!). It’s been nice this summer to be nearby him before we move overseas. I’m glad you got to spend the summer with your sister! What a fun thing for her to get to know Cullen and vice versa.
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What a beautiful post, I just shed a tear reading. Sisters are indeed the best!
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I have never ever commented before but this post touched me so much…. There are 11 years between my sister and I (and much like yourself i had a very big part in her upbringing) I have just moved to Texas and she is living with my mum and Dad in Ireland…. We are literally thousands and thousands of miles apart as she endures the perils of middle school and the early teen years… I just hope that we can have the relationship you and you sister have in years to come….
You are A wonderful ‘big Sister’!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Thanks LouLou! It’s tough being so far apart – I understand!
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What a sweet post! As someone with a sister, it really touched my heart. Love the old and new pics!!!
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Such a wonderful summer for you both! No matter the age difference( my sister and I are only 17 months apart) you will be “best friends” for life. We are now 70 and 69 and still best friends!!!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:24 am
This made me smile!
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This is such a lovely post!
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I’m almost 15 years older than my (half) sister and your post makes me so excited for when we’re older – I’m 25 and she’s 10. I still see her as ‘my kid’ so it should be so fun when she’s older and we can bond past the Hannah Montana concert when she was 7.
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My sister and I are 2 years apart and definitely have a special bond. This post makes me miss her so much! We are only 4 hours apart, so maybe a reunion is in order…sisters are the best.
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Oh gosh, what an amazing post!
And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous of your relationship with Sarah. I have three older siblings, but I’m the youngest by 8-12 years. I’ve just never been able to bond with my older siblings. I love them dearly and would do anything for them, but I’ll never have that typical bond with them. You are so fortunate!
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Sisterhood is a powerful bond, one like no other. I have been blessed with two sisters (one is 7 years older and the other 14 months younger) through a blended family. Love them so much!
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My [half] sister is 12 years younger than me. It’s really fun when we finally got to the age where we were peers instead of me being the much older one.
BTW – I’ve always thought you dressed fashionably!
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Great post!
You mentioned in an earlier post that you were training Sarah for a race with you later this year — did you ever do the race together?
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:23 am
We ended up running quite a bit, but we didn’t do the 5k. Sarah didn’t feel like she’d be able to do the 3 miles without stopping (which was her original goal) so we decided to hopefully do it in the future. She wanted her first race to be a good one!
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Awh! I have a older sister that I feel the same way with, we are the best of friends! And my girls are 7.5 ish years apart…I hope they grow up to be the best of friends. =)
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What a beautiful post! You and Sarah are so lucky to have each other :)
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Such a beautiful gift! i’m glad you had such a great last week with your sister!
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such a great bond isnt it? my sister is exactly 5 years (minus a day!) older than i am (with a brother in between) and we are very close although when we were younger the age difference seemed like an eternity. are you and your older sister close as well? it seems like you are much closer in age and going through many of the same things-aka having a little baby boy at the same time. i also randomly stumbled upon a post where you wrote about a step sister that i had no idea you had! lol-ya know, since we are so close and all ;-) crazy how the internet does that!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:22 am
My older sister and I are close too – just a different kind of relationship. Having our boys (and pregnancies) around the same time has been so special for us. I count on her for all sorts of big sis advice! And yep, I have a half sister who is 7 – crazy stuff.
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Aahhhhhhhh, lucky you. I cherish the time I lived with Jen for about six weeks some years ago. Sarah needs to move to Seattle after college, OBVIOUSLY.
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:21 am
OBVIOUSLY. Trust me, I mention it every day. :)
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This is such a sweet post! Glad you two were able to spend another summer together.
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Wonderful post! Your sister sounds awesome :)
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Emily, this was post was so cute. I have two sisters, one who is older and one is who eight years younger! Eight years seems like a lot, but I agree with you. As the years have gone by, the age gap has certainly narrowed. Sibling relationships are really so special.
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What a lovely post, Emily. You had me crying! So glad you’ve had a fantastic summer. No onto fall! The best season of all! :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:22 am
LOVE the fall! And now it is baby birthday season as well! (HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?)
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You are a beautiful writer. I have tears running down my face. I love my sisters so much…..Thank you for this. I have to go call them now……..
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:20 am
Thanks Kate!
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Such a beautiful post! You’re so very fortunate to have a sibling to laugh and play with, despite the age the difference.
Cheers for having an amazing summer!
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So happy I found this post today… my brother is almost 10 years younger than me, and it is a special kind of relationship for sure.
I came to find some gluten-free recipes, sent by Katie Heddleston.. so off now to have a look around.
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:20 am
Thanks Elle! Hope you find some recipes too!
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My sister and I are 11 years apart and I feel like I’ve missed out on so much of her life since I went to college across the country and have been living abroad for the last four years. I’m looking forward to being closer to her and beginning a better relationship. This post is great and you are so lucky to have each other. You make me want to plan a sister vacation or something…
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What a nice post! I don’t have a sister and this makes me wish I had a better relationship with my brother who is five years younger than me. It’s not as big of a gap, but we had the gender difference too and have never been into the same things.
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Thats such a heartwarming post. :) it was nice to read it
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beautiful post!
all the best emily
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My sister is 9 years older than we and we have a very similar relationship. I spent a LOT of time with my nieces a d we are very close still, they are 20 and 19 now and are planning their trips abroad for school, crazy how time flies.
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so special that your sister could be there again this summer and spend so much time with you and cullen. you’re so lucky to have such a close relationship with her. i know you will miss her. you two look beautiful at your last dinner out.
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Emily, you are adorable and this post is just beautiful. (not sure why anyone would take away from this post by debating what style of jeans are still “in” but maybe they have too much time on their hands?!) As an older mom of 4 kids, it’s these special, special kind of relationships that really matter in life. And the fact that you guys live so far awar from family, makes you REALLY appreciate this lovely, lovely bond. You are so smart and so wise. I am so happy that you guys had the chance to spend another summer together.
Thank you for this beautiful post.
Sending big hugs to you,
Amy W, Chicago
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Leah Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 8:29 am
I’ll speak for those of us that commented on the part about what jeans are still in! :) I loved this post–the old photos along with the new–so special. :)
The jeans topic was just a smaller side topic–and still an interest for readers I’m sure. So, not overshadowing the primary post (and beautiful photos).
So no, we don’t have “too much time on our hands” and we’re not letting that side topic overshadow the primary topic. It’s just a fun side topic of discussion–and will always be one that is of great debate. It depends on the boot cut jeans but most of them are still VERY much in style. It also depends on the wash and the rise and the cut.
Anyway…just wanted to jump in and defend those of us talking about jeans on here. :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:18 am
I love when commenters go off on side topics – keeps the conversation fun! And I have learned quite a bit about fashion, haha.
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Leah Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Awww, yes! :)
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This brought tears to my eyes!! My youngest sister and I are also 9 years apart and I know exactly how you feel. I’m also due with my first any day and can’t wait to see her become an aunt :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:18 am
Omg! Best wishes to you and your family these next few days and weeks! So exciting. :)
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What a touching post! Your summer sounds absolutely fantastic. I hope you two can continue this tradition as time goes on. Cullen is one lucky [and freaking adorable] kid!
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Amazing post Emily! Thanks for sharing. I just texted my older sisters to read this. The pictures you captured here are amazing.
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:18 am
Awww I love that!
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This is such a nice post! I have two sisters, so I understand that bond. Yes, we have our moments, but at the end of the day, we’re still sisters, and friends for life.
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So heartfelt. I do hope our two girls (not quite 3 years apart) have as good a relationship as you do with your sisters….
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Sisters make the best of friends :)
and i LOVE your dress!
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Sisters are the best! I have three :)
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
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What a great story! My brothers (half) are 17-20 years older than me and we never really connected. I like your story much better.
Also, in the first picture of you holding your baby sister, you look like Katie Holmes (who I think is beautiful..and now I see a resemblance to her in your adult self too).
Oh, and just like the others in this post, I must know where you got that awesome dress!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:17 am
Oh wow – thanks! :) Pretty sure the dress is from Delia’s (embarrassing).
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Sister bonds are the BEST! my sis and I went from having a crazy, love-hate relationship to being best friends! it started when she went to college and i realized how much I missed her! now, 10 years later, we are thick as thieves!
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This made me cry. I blame it on the hormones. (what? I only had a baby six months ago!) This was the sweetest thing I’ve read in quite some time. My husband and I are both only children, so we often joke that we are a “one and done” family. With my son already born I feel happy, confident, and content at one child, but I always wonder what it would’ve been like with a sibling and how his life (and ours of course) would be affected with another. Something to mull over for sure!
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Emily Malone Reply:
August 13th, 2012 at 10:15 am
I still cry at everything and I am nine months out!
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It’s so lovely that you two are so close! What a great summer you must have had :).
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LOL to people saying it would be neat if she arrived on YOUR birthday!! That really made me laugh :)
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Ahhhh what a beautiful post Emily…and ‘hugs’ to you today, as i know how hard it is to have special people leave after visiting:( I know your house feels empty, but hoping you jump back into a groove soon…ugh i know it stinks at first!
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I can totally relate to this post, Emily! And to teary goodbyes at SeaTac. I’m the oldest of three girls. I grew up in Boston, but I moved to Seattle right after college (for a job). It’s tough to be so “close” with sisters but live so far away! It’s so great that you got a whole summer of sister time! Just think- you wouldn’t have gotten to live together if you were always in the same city! Silver lining :) You will both have these memories forever.
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How wonderful that Sarah was able to come up for another summer.
This is a great wrap up post and hopefully you will have another one of these next year :)
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Beautiful post! I’m glad Seattle brought a couple straight weeks of sunshine for your sister’s send off! Sister’s are the best. :)
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Awww, such a sweet post! My sister is five years younger than me so I feel like I can relate to this in a way, but the older we get the less it seems to matter :)
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Thanks for making me almost cry at work again (wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your recent loss but couldn’t comment on the post about your Grandma for fear of crying)! I have a younger sister and also consider her my best friend. Great post.
But I have this to say: Bootleg jeans out of style? Never. And who cares? I’ll never stop wearing them – maybe I’m fooling myself but I’m convinced they make my legs look longer. That said, I recently succumbed to peer pressure and bought some Mid-Rise, skinny jeans at the Gap. Key words: Mid Rise – sucks it all in (well, most of it).
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I didn’t know that boot cut jeans were no longer in fashion. Are they not in fashion at all, or just not for young twenty, early thirty-somethings?
Sisters are the best, I am the youngest of three.
:)
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That last picture of Cullen and Sarah is an absolute corker! Def one to be framed! Gorgeous the pair of them! :)
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Like many other people, the relationship you have with your sister reminds me of me and my sister. She is 6 years younger than me, and I often refer to her as my clone. She lives in MN, while I’m here in AK, so I miss her terribly. We did get to spend 2 months together this summer, which was awesome!
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This is just beautiful :)
Heidi xo
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