8 years ago today, I was lying on my bed in my first apartment enjoying a snuggle with Almost-Husband. The phone rang, interrupting our lazy morning. It was my mother calling to tell me that she was in labor. She told me not to head directly out to the hospital and that she’d call me when it was time.
I remember the rush of excitement that I felt. At 20 years old, I was becoming a big sister for the second time and I was more than thrilled. It wasn’t long before I got out of bed and dragged myself down the street to the Wal-Greens to get some milk.
As I was in the store, I got the call. It was go time.
I hurriedly made my purchase and hopped in my car. In my excitement, I backed out of my parking spot in more of a rush than necessary…and hit the car behind me. There was no real damage, and the owner of the car was more than irate.
I remember telling the woman that I was sorry and that I was trying to get to the hospital because my mom was in labor. She did not believe me. Despite the fact that neither care had a single scratch, she insisted on calling the police. As we waited, I called my grandmother to tell her what was going on so no one would worry. She came straight away and as soon as I was done dealing with that situation she took me out to the hospital while Almost-Husband drove the car home.
I’ll never forget the rush of love I felt when I held that little guy for the first time. I cried tears of joy as I snuggled my new baby brother. “Hi Brother Bear,” I cooed. “I’m your sister. I love you so much!”
I don’t know why the name popped out of my mouth, but it stuck. He’ll always be my Brother Bear. Brother Bear my Practice Baby.
Unfortunately, all of my old pictures are either packed away or on an old computer that is currently unusable, but I did manage to find one from when he was around 1 and a half.
I’ve watched this little guy grow from a little baby, to a mischievous toddler, to a sweet preschooler. I remember taking him to school and picking him up and listening to him tell me about his day. I even got to go with him on a field trip to a local farm. So many wonderful memories from that time. When I was “Mommy Sissy”.
He was 5 years old when I got pregnant with The Princess. I remember when we told him that I was going to have a baby. He was SO excited and made up his mind that she was “his”. For nine months he rubbed my belly, kissed my belly, talked to my belly and told us how the baby was going to live with him. We had all been worried that he would be jealous, but he loved her right from the start!
He was fascinated with her! That summer I watched him a lot while my mom was at work and he was always such a big helper! The minute she cried he’d be right there, hovering over her as I took care of her. He’d even climb in the playpen with her!
He is still very protective of her. They bicker like siblings and get on each other’s nerves, but they also play really well. I love seeing the two of them together and hope that they always remain close.
I am amazed at how much this little boy has changed. It blows my mind to see a big boy, when my brain still thinks of the little baby I once knew. At 8 years old he is one of the smartest, funniest, kindest people I’ve ever known. He’s creativity and level of insight amazes me. He may be a little booger sometimes, but he really is the greatest and I feel so lucky to have him in my life.
I don’t know where the last 8 years went, but I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
Happy birthday, Brother Bear. I love you!