four weeks

Eli is four weeks old today! James Henry had his twenty monthaversary over the weekend.

I told Bear that I was going to take Eli's picture and asked if he would like to come. He said no, so I told him to come to E's room if he changed his mind. I got Eli dressed and ready for his mini-session. A few moments later he came running down the hall with one of my camera's shouting, "pic, pic!".

James Henry does not love for me to take his picture. Apparently the only thing worse is for me not to take his picture.

He handed me the camera and climbed up on the bed.

me: James Henry would you like to be in the pictures with your brother?

JH: noooooo

me: ok, no big deal

and then, completely unsolicited did this...

laid down beside Eli and began to hug and love on him. It was the sweetest moment of my motherhood. My heart almost burst. Tears filled my eyes before spilling over. I snapped a few, and then was so taken by the moment that I sat my camera aside to take it in. I asked James Henry if he loves his brother and he affectionately responded with an enthusiastic,

"ah-yeaahhh! Eeee!"

We all laid together. James Henry and I sang songs to Eli, talked about being gentle, and named all of his features and body parts.

I am so proud of James Henry and the way that he has responded to the call of being a big brother. Of course, we have our moments...but, he has done better than I ever could have dreamed. Truly one of the greatest blessings a mom could ask for.

Part two:

After our moments of extreme sweetness, James Henry climbed off the bed. I told him to get dressed so we could go to Target. He went in the kitchen wearing nothing but his diaper, put on my purse and said, "shop?!"

me: yes, we are going shopping.

JH: mmm-K, Bye Bye E!

He wanted to leave Eli at home!
Still, the best big brother any mother of a toddler could hope for.