Brotherly Love

Dear Gabriella,

A few posts ago, I stated that I knew you would be a good big sister.  However, I had no idea that you would be the best big sister a little brother could hope for. 

Your little brother Charlie was born on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 3:53 am.  We had already arranged for you to go and stay with Mark and Trish Ellsworth while I was in the hospital, so at around 11pm on Thursday night, they came and picked you up while we headed to the hospital.  From what they tell me, you had a great time hanging out with them and Jessica Kinsey as well.  By Friday night your dad and I really missed you, so we asked Trish to bring you to the hospital to meet your new brother.

Your first meeting with Charlie.  Look at the smile on your face!

I know you gave him a kiss then, but we must not have caught it on camera.

When you arrived at the hospital, I expected you to be curious about the new baby.  I thought you would be excited to see dad and spend most of your time with your arms around him.  What I saw was completely unexpected.  As soon as you saw your little brother, you leaned over and gave him a big hug and a kiss.  You haven't stopped hugging and kissing him since.  Let me just say that you don't just go around giving anyone kisses.  Your dad asks you for kisses all the time, but you usually deny his requests.  Whenever he, or anyone, receives a kiss from you, it is because you chose to give a kiss away.  Charlie, on the other hand, gets kisses and hugs whenever he is near you.  You are so loving toward him that your first meeting reminded me more of a reunion.  It seemed as though you had been waiting for him to come to earth, and when he did, you were so happy to greet him.

The Ellsworths kept you for another day to allow me to get some rest.  On Saturday, they took you with them to the youth temple trip in Mesa.  You, apparently, had so much fun hanging out with all of the young women, and I am sure they had fun doting over you!  Trish and Mark brought you back home on Saturday night where you continued to pour out hugs and kisses to Charlie.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of you and him together . . . so far.

Everday I catch you climbing into Charlie's bouncy chair to give him kisses.  What's even cuter is that he usually smiles when you come and smother him with love.  Ahhh, it warms my heart every time.

Even though you may get jealous over Charlie's bottles, and sometimes you don't understand why I can't play on the floor with you when I'm nursing, you never cease to amaze me with your overwhelming display of love and affection for your brother.  I'm so blessed that you are my first because I know you will be such a good example to Charlie of love and kindness.  You truly are a great big sister.

Love,
Mom