Big sister Hazel

Yesterday you became a big sister and met your little sister, Dottie, today.
It is bittersweet since for nearly the last two years it was just you, daddy and me. I want you to know how much we love you and what a wonderful sister you will be to Dottie.
Dottie arrived late (sound familiar, right?) and to the degree of unexpectancy she could have come.
Our saturday was planned to be a good one- in hindsight I think daddy and I wanted to savor our time with you before our family grew to 4, so we had some special things planned.
You woke up that Saturday morning the day before the actual birth of Dottie) by standing outside mommy and daddy's room, saying, "mama? mama." I came out and scooped you up and took you into the bed with us where we snuggled and (you) watch cartoons.
We leisurely got up, and went to the Pancake House in Ballard for breakfast. Following that we made our way to the Woodland Park Zoo for a morning of animal sightings. You LOVED the bears- you made your best growl sound and as we wound through the paths you would point to the trees and woods and ask if the bears were in there? You were also impressed with the elephants, zebras and lions. You had a nice time, seemed really interested in seeing more but your nap time was approaching so we headed home. As I put you down for your nap I felt the sensation of my water breaking. You ended up having no interest in napping and so eventually we called grandma and papa and asked them to come pick you up since my doctor wanted to admit me to deliver your sister.
Papa sent us the cutest photos and videos. According to them you had the best of times and were such a good girl. You are spending one more night with them since we are still in the hospital and mommy wasn't able to get out of bed since I had all sorts of contraptions attached to my body.
When you met Dottie this morning your face lit up with genuine love and happiness. You held your sister and you were gentle with your movements. I was so impressed and proud of you. I will never knowingly put you in the position to raise your sister- or take on the motherly role- but should you want to guide your sister through life I think that would be wonderful. As you grow up, you will need your sister just as she will need you. Mommy and daddy won't always be there when you need us but now you also have Dottie to confide in, ask for help, be a trusted advisor and friend, a source of protection and most important, a sister to walk through life with.
When I think about your future I see you doing wonderful things- things that require a strong will that is led by empathy and commitment. I also see you calling your sister to share your adventures and seek guidance.
I think I am the most fortunate woman on this earth today- for I have two beautiful daughters, a wonderful and loving husband and a truly caring family with grandma and papa and aunt Nancy and Jill.
I miss you this evening in particular as I gaze as Dottie in her recovery room bassinet- for I begin to think about our starting point and I reminisce with both happiness and longing to return to those first few days of your time on this earth. My life has never been the same, it has been incredibly wonderful and filled with purpose and meaning. I know why I was put on this earth and I thank you for allowing me to share this experience with you sweet girl.
Good night sweet Hazel Lee Goodejohn Anderson!