My sister, Christine, has always been my biggest fan. She’s always been in my corner, fighting for me and encouraging me.

Until about 27 months ago.

The moment Christine laid eyes on Cambria, she jumped ship. She was officially Team Cambria. So much so, that we named her Cambria Christine.

It wasn’t really an issue until lately. Now that Cambria can talk and speak her mind, though, it’s clear where alliances lie.

I’m not sure if it’s because her molars are coming in or because she’s a spoiled only child, but Cambria has been a disaster lately. Once a week, usually when we’re out in public, she throws a giant temper tantrum. Last weekend, I tried venting to my sister. The text conversation went like this:

Me: Cambria had a giant tantrum at lunch. It ended with Ryan and me yelling at each other. These (blankety blank) molars better pop through soon.

Christine: Plus, we miss each other a lot.

Me: Really? I said to her, “Are you going to be a good girl?”
Cambria said, “Yeah (sniff, sniff).”
I said, “You need to stop crying.”
Cambria said, “No, I keep crying.”

Christine: Awww, let her cry if she wants to. Poor buggy.

Me: Poor buggy? That WAS after 15 minutes of crying! 15 minutes!!! You would take her side.

Christine: I will forever take her side.

Me: I predict she gets dropped off at your house at least once in her life.

Christine: No, I’ll be the one to come get her. And help her pack her bags.

If that’s bad enough, it goes both ways. Cambria will sometimes just say, “I see TT” (which is what she calls Christine). Except, TT lives 500 miles away. Anytime she sees a J.Crew catalog or nail polish, it reminds her of TT and she wants to call her on the phone.

I really am happy that they have each other. I am grateful that Cambria has an aunt who wants to be heavily involved in her life. But I would just like the texts to stop that adamantly defend Cambria. Or at least the e-mails that say, “I’m glad you’re coming this weekend, but I wish Cambria was coming, too. I miss her more.”