Big Brother AND Big Sister

Benjamin and Bekah are delighted to have little brother here, finally. It has been a long year of taking care of a sick mom and impatiently waiting for baby brother's arrival. Bekah has been especially anxious since big brother started school because we have been telling her that she gets to help with little brother and he would be born after Benjamin started school and before Halloween.

Our big siblings had fun visiting and holding baby brother in the hospital and our fascinated by him at home too. They are good at helping with diapers, clothes, and feedings. Little brother definitely knows them and responds when they talk to him. Ryan especially loves when big sister sings him songs. It is amazing to have him stop crying when she sings and talks calmly to him.

We started a tradition when Bekah was born that has helped our family transition to a new baby. We take presents for the older siblings to the hospital, have the older siblings open them at the hospital, and explain that the presents are from the new sibling and now they get something special to take home from the hospital just like Mom and Dad. This tradition has helped with transitions because the older siblings get presents just like the baby and it helps them feel important and remembered at a time when things are quite hectic and baby focused. The children received their own "babies" to take care of so they could mimic Mom and Dad when they care for baby brother.