Corn Cob

My baby sister celebrated her sweet sixteen. The same baby who 16 years ago I was so anxious for, watching the clock the day she was born, knowing that when I came home we'd be able to go and see our new sibling.

She had this huge infectious smile, that revealed her sharp vampire-like incissors when she grinned. She was a pretty fiesty little girl, testing my parents with her will power and stubborness. She liked Barney, couldn't say her "r's", and enjoyed rides in clothesbaskets. She was our baby.

She quickly grew out of her sassy toddler stage, and became a sweet little girl. She was ever so patient, cheering on her three older sisters in their many activities. We lovingly named her same-same, after her obsession for sweatpants and sweatshirts that matched.

And then, out of nowhere, she really grew up. She became a shy, beautiful young woman, with quite a witty sense of humor to go with her. With her beautiful voice, she acts and sings in musicals. She plays volleyball and makes me so proud I get teary-eyed. She is always involved in something, which is nice, because my parents need a busy gal to keep them on their toes.

And I sometimes find myself calling my own daughter by my baby sister's name. Especially when Ella says "peeeeease" or grits her teeth as she roughly pets her kitties. Their sassy personalities are much alike.

Which, with how beautiful of a person my baby sister has become, I'm not too worried about how Ella will turn out.

Love you to the moon, J, and happy {belated} birthday!

Watch out world :)