Big Brother and Big Sis

Aaron and Claire were so excited about Hannah's arrival. The day before I delivered, we were in Walgreens getting diaper rash cream and Aaron told an employee excitedly, "We're having our baby tomorrow!"

Tuesday morning we took it easy around the house--I got things cleaned up, the kids got packed and ready. Claire kept asking, "Is it time to go yet?" They were headed to Jennifer and Beth's house, where Aunt Judy was going to be keeping them while Jen and Beth were at work. They love going over there!

That night they got to come to the hospital with Jennifer, Beth, and Aunt Judy. They walked in the room and were looking all around, taking it all in. I could tell they didn't like the looks of me in the hospital bed with the IV and stuff hooked to me. They immediately laid eyes on Hannah and just got wide eyed! Chris said their expressions looked like it wasn't quite what they had expected.

But look at these grins! They were so proud!


Aaron giving kisses


They could hardly wait to hold her. Aaron looks experienced, doesn't he?


One of my favorites...


Claire really wanted her Mommy, so we finally let her climb in bed with me.


They crowded around whoever was holding the baby!


Claire got to hold Hannah by herself this time...




And Aaron got another turn.




The next day, they were supposed to come over after lunch, but Aunt Judy called around 10:00 and said she had held them off as long as she could! They were chomping at the bit to come back to the hospital. When they came back, we got our first picture as a family of five.


Now that we are home, the kids are consumed with taking care of Hannah. They love to be my helper--getting diapers, wipes, burp cloths, boppy pillows, alcohol wipes, whatever I need! They even like helping change her diapers. Aaron wants to learn how to do it by himself, but I told him for now Mommy or Daddy would be doing it. They love to watch me feeding her and always ask lots of questions about what she is going to eat.

Aaron seems very protective of her. The kids were at the hospital Wednesday when Hannah was getting her hospital pictures made, and she was crying because it was close to her feeding time. Aaron told the photographer, "That baby is HUNGRY!" He wanted her to stop messing with his baby! He is learning that sometimes we have to do things to her that make her cry, like wiping her cord with an alcohol wipe, or changing her diaper, so he just reassures her that it will be okay.

Friday morning when Aaron woke up, I met him in the hallway and the first thing he said was, "Where's Hannah?" They always want to know where she is or what she is doing. They love to just gaze at her, playing with her fingers or feet while they hold her. They love it when she grips their fingers! Seeing their love for her is one of the sweetest things I've ever experienced.

I'm glad they are doing well as big brother and sister. One of our challenges has been keeping them entertained in these first days at home since we're not really going anywhere. My friend Tammy brought them new markers, crayons, and coloring books. My mom bought them an inflatable pool that is filling up as I write this so we can swim this afternoon. Chris took them to the playground at the school down the street. It's going to be a fun summer!

ETA:
This picture sums it all up. Claire is counting and admiring Hannah's toes, while Aaron has my phone trying to take pictures of her.