For the first five years of my life, I was an only child. Mommy and me classes, and hanging out with dad while mom worked. Parents were all mine, toys were all mine, and most importantly, the attention was all mine! After this short period it all changed with news of my first brother, Jack. Two years later the news came that my brother would be having another boy,  my brother Sam; and,  then again seventeen months later life changed again with news of my youngest brother, Nick. Life has been a roller coaster ride ever since, except instead of a roller coaster we drove a minivan.  The day we finally broke the tradition of three minivans in a row was a delightful day, filled with the joy of a new Suburban (thankfully still big enough to fit everyone). As our cars got older, so did the family. I became a pro at changing diapers, finding wet wipes, entertaining little boys, and even calming my mom down throughout the craziness. 

Everything was new to me with my the arrival of Jack, finally learning why it was and still is important to be a big sister and learning all that came along with it. Although I was much younger than I am now,  I know that after getting over the initial shock of all attention not being on me, I began to realize that I had a very important role in my brother’s life, as Mommy’s little helper. Looking back on it now, I realize that being able to benefit my new little brother still made me feel wanted as the little princess, and needed as the helper (even though I was now kicked out of mom and dad’s bed and moved into my own for good).
I swear my family should have a reality TV show, we have more craziness in one day than some may ever imagine, having multiple different practices all happening at the same time or even trying to catch out crazy dog outside, who always seems to run away. This craziness though, is what keeps our family together, always striving to be better.  Now this is not to say that I don’t goof off on occasion, because I love to hide at the top of the stairs and scare them, and get annoyed by the slightest things my brothers do such as leaving the toilet seat up, or playing copy-cat with me. To make up for the times I wasn’t the best role model, I have my pleasurable days too - I pick up Jack from basketball practice, or simply help Nick and Sam with their homework ; but my favorite is when I get to mess around with them all, telling jokes and watching them wrestle - seeing them so lively and carefree all the time as if I am a little kid again too.
Having younger brothers during the holidays allows me to live vicariously through them as I watch them write letters to Santa Claus, search for the little play elf that appears every morning in the house, and sprinkle reindeer food out front on Christmas Eve. They’re growing up everyday and so am I, but it is the little things they all do that make me cherish every moment. Being a sister doesn’t just consist of looking out for them, but also playing right along with them. Until they ask me not too, I will always set up the NORAD Santa Tracker and watch Santa get closer and closer to Raleigh right along with them. I can even remember calling a 1-800 number just to see what time they should go to bed so that Santa would still deliver presents to the house; their little squeals of excitement echo throughout the house as they pranced upstairs to my room (they all insist on sleeping together), bringing blankets, pillow pets, and all.
One downside to growing up with brothers is, as the boys get older, the insults get a little bit meaner, and the punches a little bit harder. It is hard to believe that they will someday all be taller than me (actually not that shocking considering my height), and I get to hear about it everyday as they brag to one another: “I am gonna be 6’2” which means I can beat you up,” “Yeah well just because I am only going to be 5’11” doesn’t mean I can’t still crush you.” Oh, the joys of having brothers. Oh, and did I mention that the gross comments just become more vivid too, I will leave those out though, because no one wants to hear that, trust me. My mom and I will forever be exchanging eye rolls to one another as the words come spitting out (sometimes literally). Their little annoying comments will never get old to me though, one may even hear a laugh out of my mouth as I eavesdrop; this is one of the many occasions on which I experience joy through the livelihood of little brothers, furthering my bond to them as a sister. My phone will always be full of pictures and videos of each one as they attempt to be “tweetable” for all of my friends to see. I will always remember the day Jack, commented on one of my friends Instagrams, that day was a memory, and I still cannot decide whether I should laugh about it or scream at him repeatedly.
I am so content with knowing that I have three little reasons to constantly remind me that I mean something to someone, and that someone means something to me. Imitation is one of the highest forms of flattery, and as I have gotten older I have come to believe this. My brothers love to do the same things as me, and I see my actions come out through them. I see my brothers look up to me, although they may not always admit it, I will always be one step ahead of those little rascals. I hope to someday hear them say it out loud, but my mom always tell me how they praise me behind my back, and that right there will always keep me going.
I have gotten that lecture about bad grades, or a bad attitude just like them. My favorite thing is being able to give them advice and watch them act upon it. One night, Jack decided to be not so pleasant to my mom, which did not make her too happy, as any parent would be mad, and I was able to step in and help Jack to make things right between the two. The two both tend to get into little tiffs, and Jack decided to tell my mom that he hated her. My mom takes things like this to heart and I had to explain how these words can affect more than he may know. I could see the look of joy on both of their faces as Jack was calmly able to apologize and say everything that was needed.
Most of the time I tend to take my brothers for granted and all that they have provided me with, but I’ve come to the realization that they have done more than be brothers to me. Having three little faces right in front of you, growing up everyday, is truly mind boggling, but I would not have it any other way.  As I reflect on getting older, growing up, and maturing, I see my brothers involved in so many images. It is almost bittersweet that a few months from now I will be going away to college, and leaving them and all their craziness at home. I can’t remember what it is like to have a life without brothers, and as much as I joke about wanting to be an only child,  I wouldn’t trade my brothers for the world, and hopefully they feel the same way!