Brothers are an amazing thing. They fight, play rough and at times get along great! The bond between brothers is strong enough to last a lifetime through all the ups and downs that life may bring along the way. Simon and Jaden are a lucky pair. They will have the opportunity to beat one another up, steal toys from the other when one absolutely has to play with it and more so, they will get the chance to encourage one another.
Jaden long wanted a sibling. I can recall shortly after Rob and I got together Jaden began asking for a sibling. He wanted a brother or sister to share in all of life’s journeys. Excitement filled Jaden’s eyes when he learned that he was expecting a sibling in March. He wanted to talk to my belly and feel the flutters, kicks and movements his brother made. The bond between Jaden and Simon began while I was pregnant. Jaden was cautious and protective. All Jaden wanted was to be with his brother and teach him many things about life, especially Ben 10.
When my pregnancy turned sour, Jaden slept on the hide-a-bed with me many nights. He longed to be as close to Simon as feasibly possible. I didn’t mind that as it was a pretty stressful time in our home. I encouraged Jaden to talk to Simon and tell him how much we wanted him in our lives, singing the ABC’s and just talking about the interests that Jaden has/had filled many of our days and nights. It was amazing to see how Jaden loved interacting with Simon. The antics of these brothers elated my heart and soul.
Since Simon’s birth, Jaden has struggled with Simon not being home. It has definitely gotten a bit better since we’ve been in Aurora. Jaden has the opportunity to see Simon daily if he desires. He loves getting on a chair to peer into Simon’s bed and watches in awe as his brother moves around. Jaden will open the “doors” to the isolette and rest his hands in and gently holds Simon’s head and arms, a physical therapy technique that helps Simon to calm down and relax.
Going through this experience has been an amazing and unique experience for us all. Jaden and Simon are no different. Their views differ immensely from those of myself or Rob. The world through their eyes is incredible to consider, at best. Imagine the moment you learn that you have a sibling and at the same instant, learn that you are not able to see that sibling. Crushing, frustrating and devastating is how I would picture that moment for myself. That’s no less than what Jaden experienced. Seeing Simon for the first time elated Jaden. He wanted to touch Simon, hold him, kiss him and more. The opportunity for that didn’t arrive until after we were here.
The bond between Jaden and Simon has grown in this time. Simon recognizes Jaden’s voice and looks around to find him when he speaks. Simon has offered many smiles to Jaden too. As for any sibling, being able to hold one another close to hug is especially important. For older siblings that comes with cradling their brother in arm and looking with amazement at the tiny body who will spend many years looking up and older sibling looking after. Jaden was able to experience that October 1, 2008; nearly one month since he first laid eyes on Simon.
Can you imagine the elation? Jaden will forever be able to say, “I held you when you were just three pounds!” to Simon. What an awesome experience for brothers.
Not supposed to tear up at work:)
It was amazing to watch the interaction of my children with Chris, especially when he came home from NICU. Even the youngest, at 2, was hyper protective of HER ‘baby’.
They are very cared for little ones – I think kids, even at that young age, recognise how difficult life is, and how lucky they feel to have their sibling after all the struggle. The hard one is making them understand THEY are just as special and loved…
You are doing such a magic job, I admire you enormously:)
Thank you.
I’m teary eyed too. It’s so beautiful to see Jaden with Simon. He’s such a special big brother with an enormous heart. I know Simon and Jaden will forever adore one another (even when they’re at the stages when they seem like they don’t). It really is an incredible bond.
Way to go little guys.
Simon looks like he’s getting so big when he’s in Jaden’s arms. 🙂 He’s growing so fast.
Wow, Mysti! That was an awesome post!
Jaden is such a rare gem! there are older kids who get jealous of their new siblings, but Jaden has one big heart full of love!!! ive always wanted a big brother and Jaden just made me want one even more! :))
Becca – Simon is growing! The way the doctors really assess growth is by length. Simon was 30cm at birth and is now 36cm or 14.5 inches. They assess weight for certain things, but length is the true measure of nutritional growth.
Paul – I’m glad that you enjoyed this post.
VoxyPop – I wish that you could have a big brother just like Jaden, too!
Truely a blessing. I am so thankful that the hospital changed its rules regarding siblings on the unit. This will
be such a special time for Jaden. He will always remember
these moments. As will you my sweet sister.
I will go now and blow my nose and wipe my eyes!
LYF
That is absolutely amazing. There are tears in my eyes. I am so glad that things have begun to get better. I know that much be a great feeling to see Jaden and Simon together. He will remember and treasure those moments forever.
Catherine