She didn't arrive by accident. Years of discussion preceded our decision to try to make another baby. Camden had been such a roaring success, such an easy and clever child, fitting right into our lives and laps with such positive energy and enthusiasm. My pregnancy and delivery had been by all measures a breeze (thank you, inventor of the epidural). I was afraid of doing it all again with unpredictable results. Finally we decided we were ready to trade in our "perfect" family and take a gamble on a new configuration.
Laurel turned out to be the best idea ever. Camden wanted - no, deserved - a little sister, and nine days before her sixth birthday, we delivered a tiny bright-eyed wisp of a sis. Camden was willing to share anything with the new baby, from beloved toys to birthday parties. She was by turns gentle, motherly, stern, silly with little Laurel - essentially, everything but jealous.
Now that she's almost a year and a half, some of Camden's hand-me-down traits are apparent in Laurel, such as blonde hair and strong verbal skills. But Laurel's her own imp. She has a quicker temper and will physically lash out if denied. Her curiosity compels her to raid cabinets, empty tissue boxes, explore Mom's purse, and snatch interesting toys and electronic devices.
For the record, there won't be a third kid here. For our family, two is a magic number. But many's the night I have lain awake curled beside a softly sleeping Laurel, loving her little sniffable head and trying to imagine being happy never having known her. Sometimes when you bet, you win bigger than you hoped for.