What a joyous few weeks (outside of the evil stomach flu virus that rocked the family)! Of course it's also been a bit sleepless and overworked but the pain is overshadowed by how the new addition has shaken up the household. Each of our lives have been uniquely enriched by our blessed Keaton.I've heard people question whether they have enough love to give to the second child. I say, absolutely. Not only do I have as much love for my new son, I find that my love for both of my children has grown tenfold over the past few weeks. I do not believe our love is finite. The more we give, the more we have to give. So now having a whole other person to care for and love has grown my heart even more.
Although the heavy lifting is done by the parents, our little girl has been the most rocked by the new kid. The first few days saw lots of adjusting. She walked into my hospital room to meet the infamous baby that Mommy and Daddy have been talking about all year with a look of apprehension, as if she was wondering, "Is my Mommy still the same?" When our eyes met and I immediately embraced her I felt her relax as she realized she was still Mommy's little girl. She met her future roommate with interest and curiosity. It took a few days for the nerves to settle and her to adjust to the big sister role, which she has done fabulously. I think that has been the single most enjoyable thing for me since bringing my second child home. Being a big sis has matured her, virtually overnight. Not only does she try to be helpful but she understands, and accepts, the she needs to occupy herself more. What a joy to watch her play and manipulate her little world of dinosaurs, princesses, and little people, voices and all.
But what is truly heartbreaking is watching her fall in love with her brother. I've heard this from other Moms and thought, "Yeah, that must be really beautiful." I was not prepared. The first few days she kept her distance. She eventually touched his hand. When he was two weeks old, she asked to hold him. A few days later she kissed him on the forehead. She is always concerned when he cries and is quick to offer his needs. When he started crying today, she started to sing one of her favorite songs to him, Old McDonald. In the mornings she says, "Good morning little guy," and when he shows off with a gassy smile she responds, "Oh, that was a good smile lil' fella."
I've always believed that the greatest gift I could give my daughter was a sibling and now I'm sure of it. Here is one of her first interactions with our new baby!
But what is truly heartbreaking is watching her fall in love with her brother. I've heard this from other Moms and thought, "Yeah, that must be really beautiful." I was not prepared. The first few days she kept her distance. She eventually touched his hand. When he was two weeks old, she asked to hold him. A few days later she kissed him on the forehead. She is always concerned when he cries and is quick to offer his needs. When he started crying today, she started to sing one of her favorite songs to him, Old McDonald. In the mornings she says, "Good morning little guy," and when he shows off with a gassy smile she responds, "Oh, that was a good smile lil' fella."
I've always believed that the greatest gift I could give my daughter was a sibling and now I'm sure of it. Here is one of her first interactions with our new baby!
