The One and Only

I think I was thirteen the summer I spent a whole Saturday reading Louisa May Alcott’s Eight Cousins. I was extremely intrigued by the book. It was so novel – one lone girl cousin among seven boy cousins! At that time, my life was quite the opposite. My baby sister Abby had just been born, bringing the count up to six girls and one lone brother. Like Louisa May Alcott before me, I became entranced with the idea of so many boys and one lone girl. My own scribblings became much like her Jo’s Boys, Eight Cousins and it’s sequel Rose in Bloom. I had all sorts of characters/families that were predominately male, encompassing one little girl. As if I knew anything about such an experience!

Fast forward 22 years later…to when I have the sole girl. This past week, my two pregnant sisters both had their sonograms (ironically, on the same day – it’s “ESPN” as Abby once said). And both announced they are having boys this spring, probably a few weeks apart. Add my 2 ½ year old nephew Jay to that mix and you get Emry – the sole girl among three boys cousins. I have to confess I’m a bit delighted. Not because she’ll be spoiled rotten, the sole recipient of cute clothes both bought and sewed by Aunt Jenny or dolls and princess stuff – I’m just a bit excited about witnessing the one lone girl among three rough-and-tumble boys (if they’re anything like Jay!). Yes, yes. I’m as guilty as any parent of wanting to live vicariously through my child. On the other hand, think of the first-hand knowledge that could lead to a wonderful book!

P.S. Truly, I am delighted to simply be the aunt of two more little boys. What a blessing children are!