Audrey as Big Sister

When I went to the hospital to have Shelby Claire, I left a sweet little toddler in her bed sleeping soundly. It feels as if she somehow became a little "girl" during the time I was gone.

I worried and worried over how Audrey would respond to having a sister in the house. Someone else to get her mommy and daddy's attention, that would need LOTS of attention, and that would not be able to play with her. When we first came home, Audrey was pretty ambivalent toward Shelby Claire. She liked her and loved on her, but for the most part, ignored her. Which was completely fine with us. The nurses at the hospital warned us that even though we knew all about Shaken Baby Syndrome and how to treat Shelby Claire, the two year old in our house wouldn't understand all that. So, we watch them like a hawk and we never leave Audrey alone with her. I can just see Audrey thinking that she is going to "change baby's diaper" or something innocent like that!

At random times Audrey will ask to hold "baby sister". If I come to get her from nap and I don't have Shelby Claire, she'll always ask where she is and tell me she wants to "see her". She helps me by getting diapers, throwing diapers in the trash,washing pacis, bringing me blankets, socks, burp cloths or anything else I can think of to send her after.

We've not had to deal with a whole lot of jealousy on Audrey's part. I completely give Clay the credit for making sure Audrey's love tank is full to the brim. He and Audrey have a very special relationship and he's been very good about making sure Audrey has lots of "daddy" attention. She's been in heaven the last few weeks because she has had her Daddy all to herself!

Although Audrey's transition to Big Sister has gone wonderfully so far, she has had her two year old moments but they are not nearly as frequent as we thought they would be. One thing she did say just the other night that made my emotional self want to bawl my eyes out was that she wanted me to put Shelby Claire down. She said, "Put her down, Mommy. You hold me?". What made me so emotional about that was not that she asked me to put Shelby Claire down, it was that sweet Audrey felt like she had to ask her momma to hold her. I practically threw Shelby Claire to Clay and jerked Audrey up! I spent the rest of the night holding and cuddling her. It doesn't matter what kind of relationship you have with your daddy, sometimes you just need your momma!

I am loving being the mommy to these precious girls. They are such a treasure to Clay and I- our most valued gifts. We love these girls and pray that we are doing what is right with them.