I think one of the most precious blessings of having a much younger sibling is the opportunity to learn how to love and care for babies and toddlers. Each of my older children has had this opportunity many times, but seeing Andrew and Patrick so interested in Janey just fills my heart up. Andrew has been waiting until I would say it was ok for her to hold her and carry her while he was standing....he was thrilled and so careful for the few minutes I let him. (When I was reading The Kitchen House I told him about children his age whose daily job was care of babies Janey's age-his eyes were pretty big at that responsibility!) I also taught him how to change her diaper and clothing which is not small feat because she certainly has the wigglies. He is going to be such a good Dad.
And Patrick of course needed to get in on all the action also, although his favorite thing to do is giving her hugs and kisses. When she was fussy for a few minutes the other day I asked Janey, "Why are you so fussy baby?" And he said, "I think it might be because we've all given her too many kisses."
Oh man this post just made my day. Janey is so adorable and your boys are so precious. What good little helpers. I love that last picture of Janey mugging on Patrick. So cute!!
ReplyDeleteLove this. What great helpers you have.
ReplyDeleteLove this post, and the pictures! That last one I just love how Janey is grabbing her big brother, the smile on Patrick's face, and you hovering close by with a protective hand on the ready.
ReplyDeleteLook how tiny she is! Mine's all fat rolls :)
ReplyDeleteShe is not tiny. This is a silly comment!
DeleteI love this!! Same stuff going on over here at our house.
ReplyDeleteSo precious and adorable! your kids are so cute, Sarah! I love the picture of Andrew and Janey--their coloring is different but you can tell they are siblings!
ReplyDeleteSibling love & care is one of my favorite things about being a mom to multiple ages & stages. I think it also has been a great & very natural 'reality check' for the older ones about the responsibilities, challenges and joys of raising babies. Sweet post!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! This is one of my favorite things right now. Little does she know it, but our sweet Lucy is teaching the children more about LOVE, patience, caring and sharing than I ever could have on my own!
ReplyDeletePS-Gosh I love this age when they are giving those BIG open mouthed cheek kisses. If we could only bottle them up and pull them out 10 years from now!
ReplyDeleteI just love little boys helping with babies. There is just something so heartwarming about it. One of my good friends is pregnant with #6 and her middle son who is probably Andrew's age told me one day that he just loved helping with babies. He's younger but I would so love my daughter to marry him:)
ReplyDelete...the kisses, not the babies. That sounded weird. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that you're preparing him for fatherhood! They will all make wonderful parents one day. I've found myself wondering what boy name you had picked out while pregnant with baby Janey? Have a wonderful Monday, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI think that must be one of the nicest things about a larger family--that is very special! And I adore the last picture where you are just there, ready with helping hands. Have a great week, Sarah! :)
ReplyDeleteMy Charlie--Patrick's age-ish still doesn't have much of a desire to hang with baby Way--he's still enraptured with his older brother! BUT--if he ever does want to pick him up, you can bet I'll be there with my hands ready to catch, just like you are! Sweet post!
ReplyDeletelook how big patrick is! janey is at the best age! i hope you're snuggling in and napping with her in the afternoons while the kids are off at school. i loved doing that with griffy. :)
ReplyDeleteMy big sister said there was nothing like seeing older siblings love on "their" little babies, and she was so right! Your sweet family makes me feel more positive looking forward to the decision some day to maybe have number 6. I know it will be hard, but the good is sooo good!
ReplyDeleteI love the kiss Janey is giving in the last picture!! Both the giver and the receiver look happy!! :-)
ReplyDelete<3 baby kisses!
So sweet! And is Patrick wearing a Lil Kickers uniform? That's where my boys started soccer too!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the last picture of Patrick and Janey! She's giving him a good ol' kiss! :)
ReplyDelete