Tommy meets his big sister

My entire pregnancy Lilly was always interested in her "baby brover".  She hugged and kissed my tummy, we talking about bringing him home, showed her pictures of babies and told her that is what her little brother would be like when he came out of my tummy to try and prepare her.  She even felt him move from time to time and the look on her face when she felt him kick was awesome.  Regardless of all that-we still were not sure if she 'got it'.  I mean, does she really understand that she won't be the only one anymore?  How will she adjust?  Will she regress?  As I got closer to May 8th I began getting emotional about it.

The morning before my c-section Tommy kissed her goodbye and told her the next time he would see her she would be a big sister I broke down.  My little girl is going to be a big sister.  I felt guilty and excited at the same time.  I was so happy she would have a sibling so close in age but also upset that she was going to feel left out or pushed aside-especially by me when I will be feeding him and tending to him more so-just because he will be more needy than she.  Will she hate me for it?  She probably won't remember right?  All of these thoughts churned in my brain.  Deep down I knew this is the best thing ever-but I just couldn't help tear up thinking about all of these things.  I blame my hormones!

The afternoon Tommy was born my mom brought her to the hospital.  She walked in and immediately asked for "baby brover".  She kissed him and held him like she had been waiting for him all along and that at just over 2 years old she got it.  I teared up only yo have her tell me "don't cry mommy"  as she wiped my tears.  I was so happy.  She was just as in love with him as we were.

She visited every day in the hospital and every time she just doted on her brother. 

This was great but what was going to happen when we got home?  It would be a whole new ball game.  The day we went home Lilly was there waiting for us.  And couldn't be more excited.

So it's been a week and so far so good.  There have been a few moments of jealousy or trying to get away with something while I am feeding Tommy.  I am trying to think of some strategies especially since Tommy likes to take his good old time eating. Although this past week she's been still at school and it's just been Tommy and I for the majority of the day.  Starting next week I will be on my own with both of them all day and that again may be an adjustment.

 Some funny moments: when she pulled at my top and tried to breast feed asking for "just one sip mommy".  When changing Tommy she told me she had pee and I needed to change her diaper-she normally HATES to get changed.  I bathed and got Lilly ready for bed last night for the first time since Tommy was born and HOLY crap she felt HUGE.  I felt like I was changing an adult.  It was wild.  Everyone told me how huge she would seem after being with Tommy in the hospital and yes she looked more like a big girl but I didn't notice until I put her diaper on!  

She has also decided that this week she would go on the potty more.  She now can get on the toilet by herself and even clip on her special seat.  She goes every morning and night and I am so proud.  I am going to see what happens while here all day but I am not going to force anything.  It gives me a little bit of anxiety thinking now is the time she decides to do this-I am just flashing forward to being in the store and trying to juggle a baby along with a toddler that has to pee.  I am going to let her go with it if she's ready though even though this mama may not be! 

I've been really trying to make sure I am giving her my attention every day.  It's still hard right now because I am still recovering a bit.  It helps I am feeling really well but I also don't want to over do it too much since I will need the energy for next week.  I have a few new toys I can bust out from Christmas and her birthday and a few small items I've collected  for times where she seems bored or will need to be occupied.  Luckily I have lots of family able to help too if Lilly (or I) need a break. 

I am still a little sad that my girl may have some trouble adjusting but I am so happy she has been SUCH a great big sister!   Now I may have a different perspective at the end of next week but last night when Tommy was cutting the lawn I had both of them (grant it it was only for an hour) and I managed to bathe Lilly and get her ready for bed AND get a feeding in for Tommy.  Lilly did awesome!  We have even been having Tommy tuck her in and lay next to her and sing our bedtime songs.  She loves it! 

I am so proud of my big girl!