Suddenly Siblings

I told you about my moms. I told you about my dads. What’s next? My siblings! I'm touching on this topic in between fitness/weight loss posts because this time last year, I was given the names of my birth parents after a 17 year search.

For 33 years, I had two older sisters whom I love very much. Although we were not very close, I knew that if I ever needed them, they would be there for me, and vice versa. If I needed advice, I knew they would give it to me. If I wanted to be annoying, I'd go out to the pool where they were with all their friends and look oh-so-adorable. We fought for the front seat (before air bags and seat belt laws), did the "Mooooom, she's looking at me!" at breakfast, played license plate ABC's on vacations, and spent countless hours at the beach. Me and my 2 sisters.

We are all grown up with kids of our own now. They are both very supportive of me finding my biological families. Although I now have new siblings, my adopted sisters will always be my real sisters. I will always love them, my 3 nephews and niece very much.

The number of siblings, nephews, and nieces changed a year ago. The day I met my biological mom, I also met her 2 daughters & my 1/2 sisters. After chatting for a few hours, the older one asked if Carson would be interested in being the ring bearer in her wedding. A few minutes later, she asked me to be a bridesmaid. I was so touched and said "Yes" immediately. Since I never allowed myself to think beyond my bio mom opening the door, I never allowed myself to think if I'd be accepted by my 1/2 siblings (which I think of as whole, not half).

My little sister was quiet that day and was just taking everything in. My sisters didn't know about me until earlier that day. I also met my niece and my almost brother-in-law. The baby was still growing in the older sister's belly at the time (I was on speaker phone when he came out, though!). It was such a surreal moment meeting my biological mother, step-dad, and their daughters – my family by blood.

The only sibling missing that day was my brother who was at a wedding with his wife. My poor brother had no idea his new 1/2 sister was meeting the whole family until he came home the next day. Minutes after our mom showed him my letter he was on the phone anxious to speak with me, a complete stranger! We spent at least 30 minutes chatting non-stop. My kids were growing antsy, though, as we were at the Aquarium in downtown Tampa. As much as I hated to, I had to hang up with my little brother (well, not little since he towers over me). Also, I can't leave out my biological step-sister (are you confused yet?) and her two beautiful daughters who I met last September at the wedding.

So, here's the totals so far: 4 sisters, one step-sister, 1 brother, 2 nieces, 4 nephews (1 from Hubby's sister), and 2 step-nieces.

Then there are my bio dad's children. He told his daughter about me and she immediately added me to her friends list on MySpace (as did my other sisters and brother). She invited me to her wedding (which, sadly I had to miss) and we got to know each other through hundreds of MySpace messages and pictures. She even asked my opinion on baby names before she had her son! My bio dad also has two sons. I haven't had the opportunity to get to know either of them as the youngest is usually working when I'm in town and the other is in the Marines. My bio dad emailed his oldest son around April Fool's Day. He thought it was a good joke, suddenly having an older sister pop up...surprise! It wasn't. I hope that one day we will find time to sit down and talk and get to know each other.

So the grand total for siblings and their kids (my brother on my bio mom's side had a baby, too): 6 sisters, 3 brothers, 1 step-sister, 2 nieces, 7 nephews, and 2 step-nieces. Whew! I think I got everybody.

I could never see past finding my biological parents – two people. I never imagined all the biological family members that I would also get to meet one day. In the end, I now have more sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews… who are all real to me.

Slacker Fattie Tip – If you have kids, take them outside to play, and play with them. It's great exercise and a wonderful bonding experience. If you don't have kids, borrow someone else's. Just remember to give them back when you're finished.

Sexy Meal Plan Tip – Try this sandwich from fitnessmagazine.com....yum

my!
Herbed Cheese & Tomato Sandwich

Ingredients:
* 6 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
* Dash of salt and pepper
* 1 whole-grain bagel
* 4 slices tomato
* 1 orange
Place cottage cheese in blender and puree until smooth. Stir in garlic, chives, salt, and pepper. Spread mixture on bagel and top with tomato slices. Eat with orange.