This past week, I have had the opportunity to relive a moment in time. My dh has taken the older four girls to spend some time with their cousins. I stayed home with our one year old to get some neccessary cleaning, organization and planning.

Having just my one year old reminded me of the days when it was just my oldest and myself in the house. We ran errands, visited grandparents and played. I had the chance to do that this week. I enjoyed spending time with my one year old without the interruptions of the bigger girls. We giggled and teased each other. We cried and held each other.

As often as I longed for a sibling for my oldest dd, I've longed for my younger dd to have the same benefits that her older sister had - quiet nap times, mom's undivided attention, areas throughout the house where she can roam without me worrying if a stray Lego or coin or decorative rock is on the floor. We have it this week but... it just isn't the same. We both know it.

Two days after everyone left, my dd was calling from the bottom of the stairs up to the bedrooms for her sisters. Silence followed. She called again. Silence. She turned and looked at me and babbled something. I could only guess she was saying. I scooped her up and hugged her.

The next day, my dd called for her big sisters again. This time she stood in the kitchen and yelled for someone. No one came. She tried once more. Same result. Then she toddled off.

She finally had the chance to talk to her one sister on the phone. Oh, she was so thrilled. I could see it on her face. She smiled and babbled back into the phone. Big sister laughed. She laughed. Then she gave a big "MMMMmmuh" into the phone. Long distance kisses.

Last night I got a phone call from the big sisters. They miss her dearly. They forget her face. They can't wait until they get home. They want to see how happy she is when they arrive. Me too.