Brothers

I'll start out this story with a tangent.  

Labor was emotionally difficult for Kraig and I.  Don't get me wrong- we were doing wonderfully managing the labor itself, but shortly after I got in the tub at our house (3am) I started crying because I missed Owen.  I couldn't process the thought more than that- but I think it was much deeper, of course.  I had a sense that the previous night together was our last as a family of three.  I think I longed to hold my boy just one more time before we introduced this new little person into his and our lives.... but he was sleeping.

This feeling of missing Owen continued on and off throughout labor.  Kraig was feeling the same way, and from his description it was even more intense for him.  He said that while I was pushing he felt like his heart was literally aching.  He didn't want to cry so as not to upset me at that time, but he felt such an intense longing to see Owen that it physically hurt.  

I think we were both processing the "loss" of our 3-person family, knowing that our relationship with Owen wouldn't be the same again.  

And so, the hour between the birth and when Owen arrived seemed to last for.ev.er.  We both sat in bed with Dylan and tapped our fingers waiting for O to arrive.  

Finally, finally, finally he showed up!  He was more excited than we dared to dream that he would be and we were thrilled to see him.  He started asking if Baby Tiny came out, and if he was "borned".  He hopped up on the bed and started looking him over, kissing his head, and asking about where his feet and weenie (yes, really) were.  He was terribly concerned about the weenie- where was it, did he have one, could he see it.  Boys will be boys?

Owen has such a gentle touch with his brother.  Thankfully, 10 days later, we still rarely have to correct his touching.  He loves his baby brother and is very, very sweet with him.

He wanted to help Stephanie with the newborn exam.  Such an awesome little helper, he is.

We haven't noticed much acting out, and absolutely no jealousy (so far).  He doesn't mind that we have to hold Dylan a lot or that Dylan gets mommy's milk (Owen remembers breastfeeding).  He even tries to help with diapers and feeding times.  He sings Dylan songs when he is upset which instantly calms the crying.  Dylan is absolutely enamored with Owen- his eyes turn to Owen whenever he is nearby (this doesn't consistently happen with Kraig's or my presence.)  There is a really special sense of knowing between these two and it's amazing to see.  We're so blessed by these two boys.

Of course, we had to fulfill our promises about all the treats we'd have to celebrate Dylan's arrival.  I think his love for his brother is true, but the doughnuts probably sweetened the deal ;-)