This really got me thinking....

[laurasnowbird]

So, yesterday, my oldest son Nick and I were in the kitchen casually talking, and Aidan was in his bouncy seat next to us cooing and laughing and acting totally adorable. I had a sudden thought, and asked Nick what he thinks of his new little brother. His answer astounded me.

For background, Nicholas was with us when we had the ultrasound that revealed Ethan was the baby brother he'd been hoping for. When Ethan was born and we learned he had DS, Nick was pretty sad, and shared with me that he felt a little cheated of the baby brother that he'd expected, and was sorry that he wouldn't be able to do all the things with him he'd dreamed of.

Fast forward to yesterday, I asked Nick if he was feeling like he had been given another chance at that with Aidan. And he looked at me and quietly said "Ethan is my favorite sibling, Mom." I was shocked to hear him say it, although his actions demonstrate it. I said "What about all the things you thought you would be missing out on with him?" And he replied "That's before I really understood what a gift he was, and how much he CAN do."

I'm seriously sitting here with tears in my eyes again as I type this. And Ethan isn't one of the DS superstars, I think he's pretty middle of the road in his abilities, although it appears that he is rather more gifted as it relates to speech. Isn't that just the coolest? I had to share. I can't remember who posted a while ago about sibling reactions, but I think Nick put into words what a lot of our kids feel. Our kids are just SPECIAL! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

And that Nick, geez, what Mom wouldn't be proud of a kid like that? I think my heart may burst.....

[Jessie]

Thanks for the cry . . . didn't realize I needed one today until I read that. How awesome of Nick to feel that way!!!!!

[meghans_mom]

Laura - what a beautiful testament to the wonderful children you have raised...!! thank you for sharing - and give those kids a hug for me :-)
laurie

[Emilysmom]

Laura~ Wow..........I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes too. I'm so glad he shared that with you!!! I think you're right: Nick may very well be speaking for lots of our kids in that they do NOT feel cheated at all, but they feel they are lucky to have their sibling with Ds.

What a great way to start my morning!! Thanks!

Susan

[lizkuebler]

Thank for posting this. I often wonder what my son will think of his sister when he gets older. I hope that his response is like your sons'. That was one of our big worries/questions when we found out about her. For some strange reason, we felt like it would be bad for Tommy. I hope you understand that, not because we didn't want her or anything, but becuase it was so different than anything we had ever been exposed to.
Anyways congrats, what a nice family you must have.

Liz

[poojamom]

WTG Nick! I had a good happy cry!

[chasemansmom]

Oh Laura, I wish your Nick was mine...just goes to show what a special Mom you are to have a kid like that!!!! Give him a hug for me okay? His words are words I hope to hear some day. Zach is too little and right now he resents all the stuff he cant do because of Chase, and Mike and David, my two oldest, well they are too involved with raising their young families to bother with Chase and all the work he entails. They are forever saying how glad they are that they arent me, breaks my heart for Chase's sake. It is more the behaviors and MI then the DS though.
hugs, Robin

[momofrussell]

AWWWW Laura.. that is soo awesome.. what a great story!!! You got a great son there!

I was thinking about Regan when I was reading this.. I haven't asked her lately myself, the same thing you asked Nick... but I do know in the past.. she has felt a bit "jipped" because she can't play with Russell the same, ect.. but she is also Russell's biggest advocate and therapist!

It's amazing how kids "see" things!!!!!

Hugs!

A.