All it took for a family reunion was an unexpected family addition.
Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears met up in their hometown of Kentwood, La., over the weekend, the first face-to-face for the sibs since last October. The nonpregnant sister was one of nearly two dozen female friends who convened at Serenity, the estate owned by the pop star but inhabited by her sister and mother, Lynne, to herald the delivery of her niece-to-be.
And, per usual, OK! magazine was on hand to document the to-do, which was organized and hosted by mama Lynne.
"It was wonderful to be able to spend time with her and just be girls again," the 17-year-old expectant mother said of her sisterly reunion. "We painted our nails and did stupid stuff, and we had our private time too. To be able to be in the privacy of our own home and just be sisters again was wonderful."
"She just ran up," she said of the Britster's greeting. "She obviously couldn't pick me up. We gave each other a big hug. It was a really good feeling."
Jamie Lynn said their initial conversation was exactly what you'd expect sisters to say to each other: "I love you. I've missed you. It's so good to see you."
Regardless of whether she's in the best position to be dispensing motherly advice, Britney also had a few words of wisdom to share with her kid sis.
"She said, 'There are going to be some long nights, but it's completely worth it,' " Jamie Lynn recounted.
As for baby daddy Casey Aldridge, Jamie Lynn said he already has Britney's seal of approval.
"She loves Casey. She's met him a bunch of times. They were riding four-wheelers and stuff together. They get along real well."
As for the engaged couple, Jamie Lynn said they had no immediate plans to tie the knot, but that after the baby girl, due in June and as yet unnamed, is born and "things settle down," a wedding will be her "first priority."
Not such a top priority: getting back to work.
"I am so focused on the baby that hasn't even occurred to me. You never know what may happen a year from now. There is the possibility I'll go back, but right now, I just want to be a good mom.
"More than anything, I just want this baby to have a normal life."