Big Brother Award

My heart has been so touched by watching MJ interact with his new baby sister.  We could not have asked for him to be more accepting and loving of her.  It's been a huge blessing! 

This was taken shortly after Charlotte's birth.  MJ was anxious to hold his new sister.  He seemed to do really well with the grasping the idea that she would be born soon and that she would be a part of our lives.  It's hard to know how much a two year old really understands this, so it was just sort of a prepare him as best as we could and then wait and see scenario, but so far he's been uh-may-zing!  He's quite sensitive and intuitive for a toddler boy, and I think these personality traits have really paid off in his new role as big brother. 

He's had his moments of wanting to be held or reverting back to baby-ish things like wanting to sit in her bouncy seat, take her pacifier, etc. and needs reminders to be gentle sometimes, but he's very loving with her, likes to hug and kiss her each time he wakes up or goes to bed, and is quite the little helper with diaper changes or fetching other baby necessities when needed.  It broke my heart when he'd want me to hold him and I wasn't yet able to pick him up.  I'm so used to him being my "baby", that it was really difficult for me to not to be able to do some of those things as much, but between Mat and the rest of the family visiting, he's been getting lots of love and attention, and constant reminders about what a great big brother he is! 

He received a special Big Brother basket full or new goodies and books from his baby sister.  What a sweet boy!  He also brought Charlotte a little sister present in the hospital. On a previous shopping trip with mommy,  he picked out a toy for her car seat that was just from him.  

This moment was just precious.  Charlotte was having some tummy time on her play mat yesterday (this was taken just before she rolled over) , and MJ got down on her level to play with her.  He'd rub her back gently and try to encourage her to look at the little rattles and toys. 

I know that having another child certainly changes the family dynamics, and there will most certainly be challenges to come I imagine, but so far it's just been so great to see the adjustment take place rather effortlessly at home.  My baby boy is now a big brother, and such a loving one.  His tender heart warms mine and reminds me how lucky I am to be his mommy. 

In mentioning big brothers, I must recognize my own, who also has such a tender and loving heart.  His love for his nephew, and now niece, just amaze me.  My big brother doesn't have a lot of experience with babies, but he doesn't let that stop him.  He jumps right in there and helps out however he can.  MJ just adores him, and I think the affection works both ways!  Uncle Jeff was great about rising and taking care of MJ each morning that Mat and I were in the hospital with Charlotte.  He'd change him, get him ready for the day, and really helped keep MJ in his little routine so that life was as normal as possible for him.  I loved growing up with a big brother (okay, minus the times he made me eat dog food and the time he puked all over the backseat on a family vacation), and as we've grown into adults we have been really lucky to maintain a close relationship.  It's pretty neat to now have my own little boy and girl that are almost the exact age difference as my brother and I.  I can only hope that they're as fortunate with their love and friendship as my brother and I have been!