I’d always wanted a sister, so when April arrived on the scene I was ecstatic. In fact, I actually named her – April Joy – because I was so happy. I visited her in the hospital after she was born and was told she had Down syndrome. And guess what? I think it’s made me love her more (if that’s possible).
Do we get along all the time? NO! She’s my sister. I don’t know everything going on in her life because I am “Miss Pain In the Butt” or referred to as “Your annoying daughter” when I call for my mom. Why? Maybe because I give unsolicited dating advice although I haven’t been on the dating scene in 10+ years. Or I bug her to eat less and work out more. Or I tell her to stop posting so many 
things about Twilight on her darn Facebook page. And I’m nosey. I’m very self-aware of my sisterly flaws.
Some sisters are best friends and then there are sisters like us –who tease each other relentlessly, compete over everything, and think we each know more than the other. We’re sisters and a 10 year age difference and Down syndrome hasn’t changed the dynamic much.
When I was younger I had really long hair like April has now. I loved when a cousin would French braid it. April is 
the same way. So every once in a while – after she gets her hair “blonded” AKA highlighted, I French braid it. The next morning her stick straight hair comes undone in soft waves and she looks beautiful. While I braid we sit and talk about work, boys (one in particular), and life. Sisters.
I’m glad she’s mine. Even though I’ve been de-friended on Facebook, again. I [think] I’m okay with that. After all, I am a pain in the butt. (And now you know why the post is really entitled Having a sister can be a real pain.)
And if your girls don’t get along all the time, remember, they’re just being sisters. When one needs the other the most, she’ll be there. That’s what sisters are for.
So glad to read this again. I was in a much different place 3 years ago and I love seeing this and contemplating what it is like for my kids to have a sibling with Ds. Love your blog, Jen!
Thanks Susan!
Reblogged this on Talk – Down syndrome and commented:
Reblogging an old post on having a sister with DS. I’m also linking a brief article by Brian Skotko and Sue Levine on siblings as advocates. Enjoy! (http://expertbeacon.com/helping-sibs-advocate-people-intellectual-disabilities/#.UlFjflP5CSr)
I loved reading that…….a sisterly relationship just like any other.
This was sweet. I didn’t know you have a blog but I will check it out more often!
I loved this post. You forgot to mention one of April’s favorite songs-Sisters-from White Christmas. Mom