Brotherly Love

Be still my beating heart.  I have been dreaming of the moment that Caden met his baby brother for nine months now.  We tried to prepare Caden the best we could.  We talked about his brother, we decorated and then played in his room, and when we talked about our family we always included Asher.  But really, how can you prepare a two year old for his world to be rocked?  We didn't know what we were in for and Caden CERTAINLY didn't know. He was pretty excited to burp the baby, I'm just not sure he was ready for the baby to come and live with us.  Forever.  And sit with his mommy.  A lot.

Before going to the hospital, JZ and I took Caden to his favorite toy store so he could pick out a birthday present for his brother.  He picked out a soft football that Asher is sure to love - in a few months from now.

Caden couldn't come to the hospital until Saturday because of his fever, but bright and early Saturday morning Papa and Gaga brought #1 to meet his "brudder."  I was giddy with excitement when they called and said they were on their way.  I couldn't wait to hold everyone in my arms at the same time.  I was not disappointed!

Caden was super excited to give Asher his birthday present.  Of course Asher loved it!

Asher also gave Caden an "I'm so glad you're my brother present" - the biggest bulldozer he could find.  Who wouldn't love their baby brother if they got the world's largest bulldozer from them?

Holding both boys was an unbelievably emotional experience for me.  I look so fantastic in these pictures because I was crying tears of absolute joy.  Having our whole family together was the BEST moment of my life.  Hands down.  

 

That evening Caden brought Papa and Gaga back for another visit.  We ordered pizza and had cake for Asher's birthday.  

This time Caden REALLY wanted to hold his "brudder"

When he realized that he was not going to be able to hold him without a little help, he asked to lay down with him instead.

He was so sweet with him!  It was everything I had dreamed of and more.

Now that we're home,  Caden is adjusting well to being a big brother.  He loves Asher to bits and wants to kiss him, share his toys with him (Gotta' watch that one.  Sometimes the toys end up on Asher's face!), and see him.  He's been a little emotional, which I think is to be expected.  He's very concerned that I'm going to leave again.  He cries when I leave the room to go to the bathroom and talks about me going to the hospital and being "sickie" daily.  It's a huge adjustment for him and he's doing great - he just needs a little extra lovin' these days.

So, although being a family of 4 is still an adjustment for all of us, we're pretty darn happy to all be together!