Years ago, I wrote an article, "The Only But Not Lonely", focusing on the life of an only child. I highlighted the positive aspects and touched on the negative. I was an expert in raising an only child, because for nine years our daughter, Lizzy, was our one and only. Then, I became pregnant.

It was not from peer pressure, although I received a lot of it. Several years ago an elderly lady in a grocery store commented how cute my daughter was and asked if she had a sibling. When Lizzy said "no", the woman pointed her finger at me and said "Shame on you. This child needs a sibling. How selfish of you." I was speechless. Selfish? What was that all about? Lizzy looked at her and said, "I don't want a brother or sister, I like my life." Touche. Friends questioned me frequently. We were an oddity. In our society, one is just not enough.

As I approached forty and Lizzy turned eight, I was ready to bring a new member into our family. Until now, we had enjoyed our life. We traveled the world, slept in on weekends, and dined at grown-up restaurants. Fortunately, my husband thought it was a good idea too.

Since I am ten years younger than my brother, the age difference between Lizzy and the baby wouldn't bother us. My brother was always my hero and protector. As we grew older, we became even closer. My dad is eight years younger than my uncle. When he was hospitalized for three months, his brother was at his side along with us encouraging his recovery. Upon seeing the bond these two had, I realized Lizzy needed a sibling. Someone to grow old with, to share memories and a life together.

When I became pregnant, I wanted to share the news with Lizzy; however, due to age, my pregnancy was considered high-risk. If I shared it with her and something happened, it could be a sad experience. My husband and I thought it best we wait until we received the prenatal test results. Within weeks we learned the baby was healthy and strong. My pregnancy was normal and we were ready to share the news. We took Lizzy to her favorite restaurant, Cafe Bizou, ordered drinks and appetizers. Then, on cue, we excitedly shared our good news. "No, you're kidding," she said. She honestly thought we were joking. When it sank in she was overjoyed. We talked about what life would be like, and she asked if she could choose the baby's name. Her first suggestion was Peaches. Peaches? Well, Gwenyth Paltrow's daughter is Apple. Why Peaches? Because it's her favorite fruit and is soft and sweet. Peaches became the baby's nickname.

Doctor Visits

Since Lizzy showed such interest in the pregnancy, we invited her to my next prenatal visit. Hearing the baby's heartbeat brought a huge smile to her face and made the baby seem more real. During my second ultrasound, Lizzy sat next to me holding my hand and asking questions about what she was seeing on the screen. "It looks like a monkey," she said. Maybe we should change her name from Peaches to JoJo? When we learned she would be having a sister, she beamed. "I've always wanted a sister. I can teach her everything."

We took the free magazines lying on tables in the doctor's office and read them cover-to-cover. We became experts on the best car seats and strollers. She circled the toys, clothing, and books she wanted to read to the baby.

Baby Registry

My friends wanted to throw a baby shower. Through the years I gave Lizzy's clothes, toys and furniture to friends having babies. I had little for this new child.

Two months before my due date, Lizzy and I went to Target to register. With a scanning gun in her hand, she scanned everything she thought her baby sister would need, and I added a few essentials to the list.

The following Saturday, we all went to Babies R Us and scanned other items. We chose a cute jungle theme for the nursery, and bought bedding and matching wallpaper to begin decorating the nursery. We also bought newborn diapers to practice on one of her dolls.

Decorating

We selected paint colors together for the nursery, and Lizzy even helped paint the walls. She collected her old books, toys and stuffed animals to put on a bookshelf in the nursery. We sat in the room, once it was finished, imagining what it would be like when her sister arrived.

Sibling Birth Class

Our hospital offered sibling birth classes, two-hour orientations explaining how a baby is born, how to hold a sibling and what to expect after the birth. Lizzy was the oldest child in the class. Most were two and three-year olds who didn't sit still long enough to absorb the information. Lizzy held the "baby doll" tenderly and was told by the instructor that she will be a wonderful big sister.

Packing for Due Day

Lizzy became an expert on packing because of all the articles she read in baby magazines. She packed my bag and a bag for herself. At first, she wanted to be in the delivery room as her sister was born. However, we suggested she pack a bag for the waiting room, just in case. Fortunately, just when I was ready to push, my brother arrived at the hospital whisked Lizzy to the nursery to look at the babies, and sat with her in the waiting room as she nibbled on snacks she brought in her bag. Twenty-five minutes later, they came into the delivery room and Lizzy was able to hold her 8 pound, 5 ounce baby sister, Katie Rose. With tears of joy in every eye, we snapped pictures and videotaped the moment. Lizzy introduced herself and told Katie she would always take good care of her. She then followed the nurse to the nursery to watch them bathe Katie.

An hour later, Lizzy crawled into my bed as we waited for our baby to be delivered to my room. She wanted to hear all about the delivery. I told her it was fortunate she left, because it became scary when I needed an oxygen mask and Katie's umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around her neck. It was urgent I push her out quickly or I might have been rushed to surgery. Lizzy kissed my cheek and told me she was so proud of me.

Katie Rose recently celebrated her first birthday with her big sister at her side. The first year was filled with wonder. Lizzy was there for all of Katie's firsts. She helped me with the first bath, received the first smile, and was there when Katie took her first step. She watches her while I shower, calms and plays with her in the backseat while I drive, and reads her stories each evening before bedtime. Katie smiles at Lizzy in a warm and loving manner. When we pick up Lizzy from school, Katie, with outstretched arms walks to her big sister and gives her a hug.

Even though we now wake up at 5:30 a.m., dine at Soup Plantation and fall into bed exhausted at 9 p.m., our family has an added dimension with Katie in our life. Lizzy has never exhibited jealousy, which I attribute to her personality and age. She often tells me her baby sister is the best gift ever. My hope is the girls' unconditional bond and love last a lifetime.