In a way, I grew up with three mommies.

My two older sisters, Janie and Nicki, were just old enough to get stuck taking care of me and my little sister all the time.

My first memories are of learning to read in the fake preschool they set up for me, of them teaching me what it means to be a girl, of being jealous of their sweet glamorous high school lives and slew of hot dates.

They defined womanhood for me. Ten years ago, they both became mothers and exacted their revenge. Much like they were often "stuck" with me when I was little, they each made sure that I got "stuck" helping take care of their adorable little broods of children.

My older sisters are both stunning, gorgeous women, inspiring ire and envy down the West Coast. Janie is the cowgirl queen of West Richland. Nicki is the California housewife, perfectly dressed and coiffed no matter the occasion. Janie taught me the importance of not giving a damn. Nicki taught me the importance of exercise, pushing me through hours on the treadmill, hours on the yoga mat, hours meant to pay off in a special dress or cute top.

When I was little, they both taught me the words to all their songs, from Usher's slow jams to George Strait's ballads. They taught me how to do my makeup and weren't afraid to say "hell no" to the crazy outfits I always insisted on concocting.

Sometimes, I think my wardrobe is really just a mix of theirs. It probably helps that I've been stealing their hand-me-downs since I could stand.

And now that we're all grown, plenty of struggles later, I know that every day, I can call one of them and instantly feel better. I can spend an hour in bed laughing with them about the craziness that is our family. I know that, at any moment, I could show up at their house penniless and be taken care of.

It's been hard to get used to them being my peers, instead of being my little mommies — just as I suspect their kids will have to do with me as they also grow up and define themselves in life.

Nicki and Janie have taught me so much about what it means to be an adult and how to make good decisions. Their insights, tips and tricks only expounded on those of my real mom.

I can't imagine a better set of mommies, even though Nicki and Janie still look better in their clothes than I do.