sara and annie

Today's entry was written as this month's assignment for On Display: "Describe someone you love." I've chosen to write about my nieces Sara (7 years old) and Annie (5 years old).

Sara was the first of our nieces, the first baby I've gotten to know, the first diaper I've changed. I remember being terrified the first time I held her; she seemed so fragile, like a porcelain doll that would break if I accidentally dropped her.

Sometimes I'll look at Annie and marvel that I saw her being born. I was my sister's labour room partner, the closest experience I'll likely ever have to being a mother myself. I saw Annie before my sister did. :-) I remember Annie's look of irritation as her head appeared, as if to say, Dammit, I was comfortable...what are you doing? Put me back!

Sara and Annie are half Japanese (from Ruth) and half Estonian (from Kaarel, who is blonde). Sara's hair is a dark brown, Annie's is lighter.





Sara appears outgoing but is somewhat shy and cautious. She is the more emotionally complex of the two. Her desires and fears simmer together with a fear of appearing too vulnerable, and she's learning how to hide her feelings.

Annie, on the other hand, wears her heart on her sleeve. When she's angry, she radiates fury, storm clouds thundering, her voice (surprising bass for such a little girl) carries pretty far. When she's happy, her smile is infectious, pulling you in. She's also the more physically affectionate of the two, more openly cuddly. Annie adores Sara, seeks to emulate her.

Sara is long-limbed, graceful, eager for adventure. Annie is still somewhat toddler-awkward but doesn't want to be left behind. They both squabble like regular siblings but are also fiercely protective of each other.

It scares me sometimes, how much I love both these girls. How do you take it, you parents out there? It verges on physical pain, this feeling I have for Sara and Annie, and I am overwhelmed by a need to keep them safe, to protect them from anything bad in the world. I can't imagine what it would be like as a parent, sending these little ones out the door every day for school, exposing them to everything and everyone out there.

When I look at Sara and Annie, I'm reminded of how Ruth and I were when we were little. That both scares and comforts me, thinking about the things we've both been through, but also knowing how close we are now.





Links/Updates:

Many thanks to Helen ("AntonLerchner" in Blatherchat :-)) for the card and birthday gifts, which arrived in the mail yesterday! More details and photos later this week.

I'll be offline most of the day, working on the short story collab with Michelle. I reallyreally *love* what she's sent me so far. I'm going to try to send her my next bit by tomorrow morning, perhaps even later today.

Going to a potluck at Scott's tonight. I'm making Moroccan Chicken for the first time, wish me luck. :-)

Today's Blatherpics:

	Annie and Sara at their first lemonade stand.
	For Christmas last year, Annie decided to give herself as a gift to her parents. Sara helped her write the sign she taped onto her chest ("To Mom and Dad - Merry Christmas, Love Annie") and presented Annie on Christmas morning.
	Annie and Sara with Jeff and me at Deerhurst Inn earlier this year.