Forever Sisters

Almost four years ago we met Emily and Anna for the first time.  Shortly after meeting them we knew they would be coming to their forever home.  We were so excited to have a bigger family.  However, more excited to give Teagan the sister(s) she has always wanted.  We involved Teagan with every step of this process because we knew the impact on her would be the greatest.  She was going from the only child to the oldest of three!!

                                                        The first  unsupervised visit!

Teagan was so excited and little disappointed their were no babies.  She had just started Kindergarten when our family changed.  She told everyone about getting sisters.  We had her help us with their room and she lovingly gave away some of her toys for them.  She was ready for playing, laughing, and starting memories.

In October the girls moved into our home.  The came home to their pink rooms complete with their own toddler beds and baby dolls waiting for them.  We will never forget the first night in our home! The girls were so happy.  They played, searched the house a million times and big sister was their following them and their every step.  She told them all about the fun things they could do in our home.

                                                First night with their Forever Family

Then the "fun" started.  Anna was B.U.S.Y and into everything.  She broke a lot of things and many were Teagan's toys.  She was not interested in playing with Teagan.  Anna did not know how to play.  If she did play it was typically only for short times with Emily.  Emily loved playing by herself or where she could be in charge.  Emily was also very protective and jealous over anyone being with Anna.  The girls were brutal to Teagan.  They would bite her, kick her, hit her, pinch her, and break her toys.  They often would gang up on her.  I could see Teagan's dream of sisters fading fast.  However, Teagan's determination and desire to "make" her sister's lover her paid off.
Fast forward four year later...The girls have matured over the last few years. They have developed some social skills and most importantly learned what being a family is all about in our home.  This past summer we have noticed a big shift in the the relationship with the girls.  They are not only sisters but becoming good friends. We have found them having a lot of 'give and take' play, giggling, sharing secrets, and creating a bond that will hopefully last a lifetime.  All three of them have grown in so many ways.  Teagan now has a better understanding of the "special needs" the girls have.  She is actually very defensive of it now.  Her feelings get hurt when her sisters have difficulties learning or when she hears they are struggling with something. When we do things with other families Teagan is starting to make sure Emily is included and will "help" her play with the others.  Emily is not as jealous of Teagan playing with Anna now. In fact she has figured out when they play she gets Mom to herself..lol. Anna is not as B.U.S.Y and is the comedian of the family.  She loves to be "babied" so she is always up for a sister to give her all the attention. She is also the "protector" and will take down anyone who is being mean.  (yes the 'baby' is the protector..lol)  Now, dont get me wrong it is not always so peachy....the girls can still be brutal...all 3 of them.  However, the difference is that they will start playing with each other 5 minutes later instead of hiding from each other all day!! I have absolutely loved watching these relationships develop and continue to pray that they will be life long friends.