We only have one big sister

This morning as I was toweling Fiona dry after her shower, she was giving hugs and kisses to her little protégée in pajamas and talking to her about the day they were going to enjoy together. I told Fiona that she certainly took her Big Sister Role seriously, and that Nora was a lucky kid indeed. Without skipping a beat, Fiona said to Nora, "Yes, and someday you'll be a great big sister too."

"Hold on a minute," I said. "Fiona, we don't think Nora is ever going to be a big sister. To be a big sister, you have to have a younger brother or sister, and Nora is the youngest in our family. We don't expect any more babies at our house."

Fiona was thunderstruck. "But we're going to have another baby in June, Mom! You said so!"

Oopsie. Little pitchers DO have big ears, don't they? I did set her straight as gently as I could, but I guess I should clarify once and for all what she actually overheard.

Last week I mused that we had either a family or seasonal holiday for almost every month of the year! Check it out:

January: Nora's birthday
February: Valentine's Day
March: St. Patrick's Day
April: April Fool's Day
May: Ian's birthday
July: Independence Day
August: Jen and Fiona's birthdays
September: Ian and Jen's wedding anniversary
October: Halloween
November: Thanksgiving
December: Christmas and New Year

But, I laughed to Ian, there's nothing for June, so we'd better have a baby in June. Ha ha! Joke! NOT! Now, if we hit the lottery someday (soon!), we would certainly consider another child, but that big garage sale we're aiming to have over Memorial Day weekend-- the one with most our baby gear and infant clothing in it among other treasures-- would indicate that as least as far as planning can take a couple, we think our baby days are over. We have a preschooler and a toddler now, and inasmuch as that does make me a little verklempt, it's still bittersweet and true. Now if only our sleepless nights were over... And, to that end, I'm going to bed now.

4/12 NB: I just happened to think that if we add Mother's and Father's Day to the list, we'll be completely covered without any more big sisters or retention of baby gear.