family dynamics

I've always thoughts families and birth order and siblings were fascinating.  One kid, two kids, three kids... ten kids?  Oldest, youngest... only?  Just always thought where you fell in your family and how it shaped you was interesting.  I'm one of three, the oldest, and I have two younger brothers.  We are all three years apart.

When I was little I wanted a sister SO BADLY.  I thought my life would be like Little Women or something.    Clearly a sister would never walk into my room and swipe the roof off of my dollhouse!  And while I still think it would be fun to have a sister, being the oldest of brothers is a part of who I am.  I'm bossy, an overachiever, and a worrier.    Plus, there are definitely some perks to being the oldest and only girl:

• I am not easily grossed out.  You can discuss any bodily function (well, not the blood or violent kind) with me at any time, including meals, and I won't flinch.  I'll probably even join in.
• I always had my own room growing up.  I learned to lock the door at age 4 (see above, with the dollhouse).
• When we were little, I was the trend setter.  It didn't last long, but the things I liked, such as the pink sippy cup and the bowl with the heart at the bottom, were in high demand BECAUSE I MADE THEM COOL.  This is probably the only time in my life that I've experienced this power, and I squandered it by being annoyed that my brother wanted those things because, clearly, those things were meant for girls.
• I herd by nature, which makes me a really good field trip chaperone.
• I always get to sing the girl part during our Disney duets (of which there have been many.)
• I get scared watching other people ride bikes, and I'm quick to pull others back from railings at heights higher than 3 feet off the ground.  My brothers will tell you that this trait is always bad, but hopefully someday it will make me a highly attentive parent?
• I usually got to avoid taking out the trash, one of my least favorite chores.

I wouldn't trade my brothers for anything.  They are the only ones who get all of my obscure references to things we watched as kids.  They are the only ones who will join me in singing the Pokemon theme song in it's entirety.  And who would sit there and giggle with me as I Photoshop our faces on to Mini Me?  I guess what I'm trying to say is, not only would I keep my birth order and being the only girl and all that, but I wouldn't trade these brothers for anything.  In good times and bad times, they are part of me.

So friends, I want to know: how many brothers and sisters do you have?  Zero?  Ten?  Are you the oldest, youngest, or a middle?  SPILL!  And if you've never said hi before, now is the time.  I want to hear from you!

(All the photos are from my family's snapshot collection, EXCEPT for the wedding photo which is by JMK Photos)