Parker, our third child, turned three years old in June. As the child closest in age to Brennan, I have wondered how their relationship would evolve. When we found out our fourth child was going to be a boy, I assumed he and Parker would be good buddies - and I believe they are. Parker calls Brennan "babe", "baby" or "baby Brennan" and can frequently be found talking to him, giving him a toy, or teaching him how to do something. One of the first things he asks me after he wakes up in the morning is "Can we go wake up Baby Brennan?" I have heard him countless times tell Brennan that he loves him and that he's the best baby. He always tries to get the seat closest to Brennan at the kitchen counter and pulls his seat as close to Brennan's as possible so they can talk while they're eating. It's about the cutest thing in the world.
On a recent trip to the playground with Brennan and Parker, I had a moment where I felt sad for Parker. I was picturing what it would be like if Brennan didn't have the bonus chromosome. They would be running around, Brennan following Parker up the stairs and going down the slide together. Instead, I was holding Brennan as Parker ran around the playground. Then Parker yelled from the top of the slide "Mom, put Brennan at the bottom of the slide, he wants to watch me!" So, I did - and Brennan and Parker laughed and laughed....Parker going down the slide and Brennan watching, clapping, and both of them laughing over and over and over again. Parker, even at his very young age, is making sure that Brennan doesn't miss out on a thing.
7 comments:
Oh Sharon, I have those same thoughts all the time about Mateo and Joaquin. I know that they have so much fun together but I also know that Mateo being the middle child is already totally out of whack and now with baby brother having LOTS of attention from therapists and others, he really gets the short end of the stick, when really he and Joaquin should just be running all over the place together.
But yes, our boys know and love their baby brothers regardless and it will just be a "different" kind of relationship that is just as wonderful as what we had envisioned if not even more special.
I LOVE how instinctively Parker is including Brennan, he sounds like a very sweet and thoughtful older brother!!! how cute that parker found a way to enjoy the slide with brennan by putting him at the bottom of the slide so he could "watch" parker slide - sounds like they both got a kick out of it! :)
Oh, that Parker! That last paragraph totally overwhelmed me and I'm now at my desk in tears (I know that this doesn't come as a huge surprise to you, Sharon ;)
You are a wonderful mom to have such dear sweet boys. No wonder Camille has such a crush on "Parkie."
What a sweet post. I see it in my 4 year old, Greta's, playtime with John Michael,too. They must sense that there's something unique about our youngest children and yet they treat them just like anyone else and want to include them in all things, too. Parker sounds like a sweet older brother and I'll bet Brennan thinks the world of him :-)
Oh.... made me cry. Sounds just like Justin with his sisters. They know he can't run around and play, but the ALWAYS make sure he's included. Even if it's watching from the bottom of the slide as well. Love the sweet bond! So special
Ah, this is darling. My kids intuitively know that Bridget is, in essence, no different from them. She is a kid, whether she's "delayed" or not does not matter to them. They adore her...they love her and treat her just as she should be loved and treated. They tell me all the time that she is the most perfect baby sister...
Children are just naturals when they are uninhibited by our adult worries and what if's aren't they? Lovey and I have often talked about this- after the Quail was born we especially worried about it. It warms my heart to be reminded that the relationship between them will be what they make of it- and they will make it! I find the same behaviors with Zuzu constantly telling Quail she is the best baby :) So sweet-
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