We thought our family was complete. Just me, my sister, Zaiya, and my parents. My sister and I were enough for my parents to handle without a baby. When I was 10-years-old, we found out my mom was four months pregnant.

I remember feeling so many different emotions while I sat on the couch looking at an ultrasound. The strongest one was worry, because I thought a baby meant I wouldn’t get attention anymore. I learned along the way that while Zoelle would need lots of attention, I would still get some myself.

I realized how much work went into taking care of a baby soon after she was born. We divided the chores in a fair way, my parents took over most of the hard work but Zaiya and I helped where we could. I became a master at changing diapers, but still dreaded doing it when it was my turn. My favorite chore was making her bottles. I liked mixing up the formula with the water. None of us got much sleep due to Zoelle screaming in the dead of night. I can’t say I miss going to school tired.

It’s been four years since that day, and we’re best friends. We call each other “banunu,” which means friend in fish language. I saw it in an episode of Teen Titans GO! Before she was born and just rolled with it. We spend a lot of time together. Whether it be coloring pictures, which I hang on my wall, or learning how to blow bubbles we have so much fun. She’s the sweetest and funniest kid you’ll ever meet. She has a lot of sass for a four-year-old, and she brightens my mood every day.

Zoelle has helped me learn how to handle problems responsibly. I know how to stay calm in tough situations, and how to come up with creative solutions. Because of her, I’m a much calmer and mature person.