Did You Ask Your Toddler if They Wanted a Sibling?

I was the baby in the family.  I never had my parents full attention.

I was born in to the notion of sharing it whether I liked it or not.  And even though it was all I knew, it was still hard for me as a child.  My parents said I always wanted their attention.  Apparently I did this thing where I grabbed my mother’s face and made her look me in the eye when I wanted to talk to her.

I’d say, “Listen to me Mama.”

I felt like she was distracted by everything.  And she probably was.  She was caring for the two other tiny humans, the two brothers that came before me.  I can only imagine it must have been a bit traumatic for each of my brothers when a new sibling entered their world and they received a bit of a demotion.

Of course no parent actually calls it a demotion.  We tell them how lucky they are to be the older siblings, the big brother or sister, our big helper.  But I’m sure in their little hearts it has got to sting a little.

Our second daughter is due any day now.  Our first daughter isn’t even 23 months yet, and it’s like she can sense that her world is about to change.  She has gotten more emotional, and has become a mama’s girl in the last few weeks.  And while I think our first born is going to make a fantastic big sister, I’m sure it’s going to be confusing that she has to share her mommy and daddy for the first time.

Just like she will be adjusting to life with a sibling, I’ll be adjusting to being a mother of two.  I am trying to soak up these last nights of rocking her to sleep as my only child, my first baby, the one that taught me everything about being a Mom.

To My First Born

Life is about to change, and it’s like you can sense it.

We lovingly refer to you as THE BEST.

But in just days you’ll be our OTHER BEST.

It’s going to be hard.  It’s going to be different.

You were happy just as things were.

“Why would Mom and Dad try to replace me?”

Of course, we never were.

But some of the things we did for you last week, you’ll now be asked to do on your own.

And some of your hugs and kisses, will be reserved for a baby not yet grown.

So before life gets crazy, I’m soaking in these last nights rocking you to sleep as my only.

You’re the one who taught me everything about being a Mom.

And that will always be our special bond.

***Love you Baby Girl.  You’re THE BEST.