Brothers for Life

Nate and Alex were formally introduced to each other today, and our hearts are just swelling with love for both of our little men. Despite having been away from Mommy and Daddy overnight for the very first time, Alex came in chipper and happy and thankfully, not mad at us at all. Our dear friend Jill, who along with her husband Jason and her own two little men looked after Alex for more than 24 hours, brought Alex here to the hospital wearing one of her son’s “I am a big brother” shirts and bearing a Teddy Bear offering for his little brother. Alex climbed up onto my bed and snuggled with me for a few minutes, then my Mom brought Nate over and the three of us cuddled and got used to our new roles. Nate was kind enough to give Alex a present — a motorized Thomas the Tank Engine for his wooden trains — and Alex handed over not only the cuddly bear, but also a squishy octopus he had picked out earlier, and even shared Thomas with his little brother. Alex knows that the baby is “Baby Nate!” and that he is a big brother and Nate is the little brother. He gave Nate kisses and hugs and even held him for a little while in Mommy’s lap.

Alex stayed for several more hours, and was just a joy to be around pretty much the entire time. He played, he named everything in the room, he ate a good late lunch, he paid appropriate attention to the baby and wasn’t too rough. Mommy even got down on the floor to play Rescue Heros (thanks, Suzanne!) with Alex for a little while.

When it was time to leave, we all walked (even Nate, in his bassinet) Alex and Nani and Pop Pop to the door to say goodbye. Alex did not fight leaving without us, and just matter-of-factly declared, “See you tomorrow, baby!” As Mike and Nate and I walked back toward our room, we couldn’t help but shed a few tears. Or baby boy is now such a big boy, and our new baby boy is so darn precious. They will be as lucky to have each other as we are to have them.

PS — Pictures to come, of course!