I have two amazing little brothers, but the relationships I have with each of them differ as much as the two of them do. My baby brother is 14 years younger than I am, and although he is already 17, I have always felt a paternal role towards him {all of us older siblings do}. The older of the two is only two years younger than me, yet as kids, I felt very responsible and protective of his tender heart. Life can throw some junk your way regardless of age, and I always felt like I was the stronger and more defensive of the two of us. So, in general, that’s what I did when we were really young: defend.
Where he was tender, I was tough. When he loved, I was difficult. He accepted, I criticized. He has always had a hysterical sense of humor. ALWAYS. People loved him, and even if begrudgingly, so did I. That kid can be the biggest goof ball, even when I can’t take a joke, and I love him for that. We weren’t always as close as we are now, but I have always, always, always adored my little brother.
Kris is an adult now; we are no longer little kids. Our roles have seem many changes through the years, and I lean on him now more than ever before for advice, guidance and unconditional love. He’s married to a beautiful, intelligent woman who I am so blessed to call my sister. Since meeting her, Kris has been able to let down his guard and become the amazing human being that has always been inside of him. She loves him for all of who he is…including the ridiculously hilarious goof ball! Kris has this ability to make fun of himself, while still looking cool. He doesn’t take himself so seriously that he can’t laugh and share the humor with others. I love LOVE that about him!
Anyway, for Halloween this year, Alina’s Tio and Tia surprised us with an impromptu visit to Vegas. Their good friend was having a Halloween party, and since Daddy D and I are also in the process of a major life change {not including the pregnancy, but all great stuff; more on that later}, they decided to come out for a quick visit in support. They went as Drew Carey and Mimi from The Drew Carey show {image above} and, lemme tell ya, it was a party in itself getting this kid ready for the Halloween festivities! My Sis-in-law, Daddy D, Alina, even my neighbor Michelle, and I all crammed into our small apartment to assist and watch the transformation from Kris to Mimi…. HILARITY!!!! I love how this kid took the role by the horns and became Mimi 100%….
I love you to the moon and back, Brother! Thank you for being you and being a huge part of what makes me who I am. You make me SO proud! Thank you for loving Alina as much as you do; you are an amazing Uncle. Loving her is the most profound gift you can ever give me. She is so lucky to have you and Tia V.
As I sit here, pregnant with my precious little boy, I pray that Alina is blessed with an amazing relationship with her sibling. I love my brothers and sisters with a ferocious, defensive, motherly instinct. I would do anything for them. But Kris {and my Sister too} has taught me that sometimes I gotta loosen up and love with some belly rollin’ laughter too…
missed your blog!
You’re having a boy?! COngrats!!