B’s Special Big Brother Day

Little A was born during a really busy time at C’s office which meant C wasn’t initially able to take much time off…so this week, C took some much appreciated (by his wife) time off to spend with little A and her big brother, B.

B continues to be a fantastic big brother. He loves to dote on his little sister by giving her kisses,singing the bumble bee song, telling C and I when she is crying, etc.

However, big brotherhood has had its share of ups and downs for our little guy. B has had to learn how to share his mom and dad. He has had to learn that his little sister is almost always hungry and that means that his momma can’t get down on the floor to play with choo choos and diggins as much as he would like.

Consequently, B has taken to gaining our attention in less than favorable ways…our ears have become accustomed to a rather pitiful and grouchy whine…and B’s new filler words are “Mommy cuuumm hewa….Daddy cuuumm hewa! “ even when we are standing or sitting right beside him. 

Knowing that our little guy was craving some good quality attention, we planned a special day in his honor.

C pulled out the camping equipment and started B’s special day by getting our backyard ready to host its first official campout.

B helped pitch the tent as Ella helped to cheer him on…

After the tent was set, B helped C “move” in…

The two tried the tent out in the day light as they both anticipated a great night under the stars.

Later, B helped me bake some muffins (per his request).  He helped stir the batter and sprinkle the cinnamon on top of the prebaked breakfast treats.

Later, after it got dark, we headed to the kitchen (since we didn’t have a campfire) to make s’mores.  B was so excited to open the box of graham crackers that he had carried the box around the house all evening.

When it was finally time, B helped break the crackers in half and place the marshmallows and chocolate on the crackers…

We encouraged B to try the treat after it had melted in the microwave. He took a bite…and then spit the entire bite out into my hand while saying “Dump it out!” (C and I were in stiches)…apparently B’s taste buds lacked interest in prepared s’mores and he felt the need to dump it out of his mouth like a digger would…though he did show us that his taste buds do like each ingredient individually…go figure?!

After our “midnight” snack, C and B headed to sleep…don’t be fooled…B didn’t fall asleep this easily…the two are playing possum so I could snap a photo.

Little A and I enjoyed the rest of the night inside.

The next morning (after C surprised me by letting me sleep in) we headed to the bakery for breakfast.

We then made our way to the zoo to enjoy a simply beautiful day…75 degrees…sunny…not a cloud in the sky! The zoo was crowded due to end of the year field trips…but that didn’t keep our little guy from exploring all the animals.

He fed the fish…

Said “Good morin’” to the hippo…

Watched the elephants…

(He even showed the elephants to little A)

Little A seemed to like being included in the action.

Then it was on to say hello to the tiger…

And last, but certainly not least…enjoy a train ride!

After the zoo we enjoyed a quick lunch before getting B home for a nice long (four hour!) afternoon nap.

The entire day was such a gift…probably more for C and I than little B. It was nice to spend some quality time together…all four of us, without an agenda enjoying some good time outside…not to mention, so much fun to experience life through our little guys eyes.

Praise God for big brothers and days like this!

Be blessed.