You did it. You picked up your first perfect Little. All those weeks of ice cream dates, perfectly calculated text messages and way too much Instagram stalking paid off. In the chase of trying to impress her, you didn’t really take the time to stop and think about what being a Big entailed. Now you are stuck in the weird transition of becoming a Big. Here are seven things I realized after picking up my first Little.
1. You appreciate your Big a lot more.
After helping you craft and being just as excited as you about welcoming a new member into the family, you have a whole new respect for her. You finally understand the struggle that is Big/Little week. You find yourself wondering how she does it all so perfectly, and if you’ll ever be on her rock star level. Don’t worry, with her help and stellar example, one day you will get there.
2. You realize that it’s time to set an example.
Whether it’s taking more initiative in the chapter or (partially) retiring from those crazy nights downtown, it’s important to put her before yourself. Being a role model isn’t always easy, but it will be worth it when you start to see her grow and reach new heights because of the example you have set for her.
3. You have a new best friend.
You will never have to show up to an event alone. From sitting next to each other in chapter meetings to rolling up to philanthropy events together, you always know who to call first. Your Little becomes your shopping partner, workout buddy and biggest fan. You two are in the honeymoon phase of your Big and Little relationship and you can’t get enough of each other. You’re basically inseparable.
4. But at the same time, she is also your child.
You have never felt more like a mom in your life. There is a fine line between being her friend and being her mother. You want her to text you when she arrives home. You’re proud of her smallest accomplishments. It’s official, you’ve had your first born child.
5. She teaches you things, too.
You feel like you’re supposed to be a wisdom guru, someone that has all the answers. However, she never fails to amaze you and teach you new things along the way. Like that time she taught you how to do winged eyeliner, or when she told you about that cool Thai restaurant.
6. You’ve never wanted to spoil someone so much.
As if you didn’t shower her with enough gifts during Big/Little week, you find yourself buying her even more stuff. Your obsession with surprising her with presents is ending no time soon.
7. You couldn’t have made a better decision.
You knew it was meant to be since Bid Day, or maybe even recruitment. Somewhere between the laughs and the late night talks, you knew the bond between you was bound to lead to a Big/Little relationship. You know she will be your bridesmaid. The person you can go to for anything. You couldn’t be happier to have someone to take cute stack pictures with. You can’t wait to see where this new journey will lead the two of you.
