to our 19 month old big sister

i have been trying to think about all the things you have been doing this past month as you crept towards being 19 months old. but our days lately have been so blessed with what a amazing big sister you are that i think that is all i might be able to reflect on this month. sure, you are talking in sentences, answering questions with things like "sure" and "okay mama", and initiating conversations. and yeah, you love to play outside and will say "outside?" and then stand by the front door begging to go play. and you still love the same books and are singing lots of songs and doing pretty well with drinking from a cup without a lid.
but all of that pales to how amazing you have been with otto. when you came to visit him in the hospital, you were definitely more interested in checking out the perks of the hospital room than your brother. and you had a cautious look on your face the whole time. but since we have been home, you are very interested in where otto is and what he is doing at all times. you will say his name over and over again, questioning his whereabouts. when he makes any sort of whimper or cry or sneeze you are curious about it. you like to give him kisses and "big hugs" and you like to pat him on the head. you also like to bring him things, like diapers or toys or some of your pretend food. in the car today you held out your "piggy" toy to show him. there have been a couple of times where you have told him to "move" when mama was holding him, but you have been so understanding and patient. way more so than i ever thought a 19 month old could be.
you have this gentle nature about you and your papa and i just keep looking at each other in awe over how you have handled this change in our lives. i am sure there will be rough patches, but what a gift you are to us. what a gift you are to otto. he is blessed and we are blessed.