Big Sister

Let us not forget about telling Raelyn’s story too! We spent much of my pregnancy trying to prepare Raelyn for becoming a big sister. Everyday we talked about the baby in mommy’s belly. Once my belly got bigger she began patting it to say hi to “baby brother.” During her bedtime prayers when we pray for the whole family, we included saying thank you for baby brother and she, without fail, would pat my belly. She may not have known how her world would change, but she knew a baby brother was going to show up at some point.

Two days before Max’s birth Raelyn is pointing to the baby:

Raelyn’s first task as a big sister was to begin teaching Max where his nose and mouth are located. She loves pointing to noses!

We’ve spent the first two weeks adjusting from a one-child family to a two-children family. Raelyn has mostly been super sweet to Max but I’ll admit that she’s also stolen his paci right out of his mouth several times. Raelyn treasures the time she has alone with Mommy during the day when Max is sleeping. She holds my hand now when we walk from one room to the other or climb the stairs. She gives me big, tight bear hugs every morning and several times a day. She also gives Max kisses and each one brings a tear to my eye. I would guess that if she had a choice she would prefer to not share mommy and daddy with anyone else, but she is doing a great job sharing us and being patient. Even though we have some frustrating moments, I’m mostly amazed at how well our one year old is adjusting.