The Best Big Brother

Seriously. Reed is the best big brother ever. The child has only been praying for a brother or sister since he was 4. But, I really didn't expect him to be as perfect as he has been. I keep waiting for something to "wear off." But, it hasn't. He is so patient and kind and loving. He plays with her, teaches her things (like how to feed the dogs), shares his things and his pets. And, most importantly, his parents. We did do a lot of preparing ahead of time as far as warning him about how things will go. But, I did expect some kind of trouble with going from having us to himself for 12 years and now we have had to put all of the time and attention into welcoming this little girl. But nothing. Not. even. once. I am in awe of him! I have always said that he has such an old soul. He is so empathetic and caring. He sits and smiles along side us, watching her bond with grandparents, aunts, uncles....and he loves it as much as we do. He loves her. Recently there have been lots of questions from BB about birth mom and when the "judge is going to decide." These questions are so hard for me. The other day I asked her how she would feel if she went back to BM's house. She said, "Kinda sad because I don't have a brother there." She thinks he's as wonderful as we do. He is a blessing that I thank God for many times a day.

I wish I didn't have to crop her cute little face out of this picture. I am a shutterbug and take hundreds of pictures at a time. I hope one day soon, I can fill this blog with all of the beautiful pictures I have of the two of them.

Mommy

The word is like music to my ears! I shudder to think that there was a time when I used to fuss at Reed for constantly saying/calling the word! When he was about 5 he would start every sentence with, "Mommy." We would be having a conversation and he would still start almost every sentence that way. I would tell him over and over again that he could just talk to me....not keep saying Mommy! Now, with BB, I waited so long for her to call me that. We never pushed it or told her to call us mom and dad. We just waited and gave her the time to feel comfortable. It was after she lived here for about 5 weeks that she first muttered the word. Now, it rolls off of her tongue at the beginning of about every sentence. Except those that start with Daddy or Reed. And each time she or Reed calls, "Mom or Mommy!" I smile and I am so grateful! Never again will I take for granted the blessing of being a mom and for being their mom.

Here is a picture on the morning of the first day of school.