Christian is the BIG brother!

 Christian couldn't wait to meet his brother. I knew he'd be a wonderful brother, and he is! He admires Nicholas and Nicholas loves him. So when it came time to bring Christian to the hospital I knew it would be an eventful day, and it was! He wore his I'm the big brother t-shirt proudly. Even though he spilled an entire orange juice box on himself on the drive down. It was a really hot day so he dried pretty quick and got over it. Most people who know Christian well know how his 'melt downs' can be. They're dramatic, but he's being a typical 7 year old. So the thought of having him sit all day in a boring hospital worried me a little. I can't have him causing a scene in the middle of the NICU. We talked about how important it was to be quite because some of the babies there are very sick. He came in and was saddened to see so many babies, some so small, some unable to breath on their own. He had many questions. Can my brother breath? Is he that small? No. Your brother is much bigger and is breathing very well. We scrubbed up and went in. He had such a scared look on his face, after seeing other babies in small boxes I think he was worried of what his baby would look like. Then I introduced them. Christian this is Nicholas, Nicholas this is Christian. I will never forget what Christian said "Hi Nick. I'm your BIG brother Christian. I love you! We're best friends now, I brought you this monkey" Basically the entire NICU staff was in tears over this sweet boy's speech to his baby brother. Chris may have a wild side, but underneath that he has a heart of gold, and his very loving. Then sadness struck. Can I hold him. momma (Chris always calls me momma lol)? I looked at the nurse and she pointed to a sign that said Children under the age of 10 not permitted to hold babies. I had to tell him no. That killed me! He waited so long to hold his baby brother. Well, he couldn't hold him but he could touch him, kiss him and talk to him. The nurses and doctors came in and out today, Christian was sure to introduce himself to everyone, and say I'm not allowed to hold him. Anthony decided to head outside to make a couple phone calls (his phone always rang off the hook while there). Chris stayed with me and Nicky. Then the unthinkable happened. Nick's doctor came into our pod and said let him hold him, but make it quick, shift change is almost over! So we quickly and gently placed Nick in Christian's arms. I held onto him as well as this was his first time holding a baby in a couple years. The first thing Nick did was cry and Chris said he doesn't like me. But I reminded him that he doesn't remember him until you talk to him. So he talked and Nick stopped crying! He shushed him and kissed him. It was only a few minutes but it felt like hours, it was amazing. Again the feeling of joy for having two awesomely great boys.

Next: Nick's home coming. Should be able to do it today since Nick is napping.