big brother in training

One of the biggest concerns that Rebecca and I have had regarding the coming of our second child is how it will effect Justin. He has obviously grown accustomed to living his life as an only child, so this looming new reality was initially quite disagreeable to him. In fact, he was kind of upset when he we first told him...

But in the last couple of weeks, some pretty amazing things have happened. Justin has connected pretty well with our friends, Josh and Beth Wells (downstairs neighbors). Justin was home recovering from the flu on the day we found out. Josh and Beth were also home that day, so they provided some amazing support for Rebecca and Justin. Josh played the Wii with Justin for most of the morning and from time to time would ask how he was feeling about this whole thing...and encouraged Justin that he would be a good big brother, and that this is in fact a pretty exciting thing. Our friends here in Vienna (and around the world) surrounded us with so much support, but there were definitely a handful of people here who specifically encouraged Justin in this time. I know that there were many who spoke to Justin to remind him of his special gifts, talents, and blessings that have prepared him to be a big brother.

It has been amazing to see how this confidence and encouragement that people have shared with Justin has helped him. He has suddenly become much more aware of his role in our family...he has embraced the responsibility of being an active helper in our family. Rebecca and I have been really trying increase his level of responsiblity (and quite frankly have been often frustrated)...but suddenly, things are sinking in.

With Rebecca not feeling well for the last week or so, Justin as been walking to school by himself since I like to get to school much earlier than Justin needs to be there. He has been consistently getting up on time (has even been setting his own alarm),getting ready, out of the apartment, and to school on time. I was especially proud yesterday; after I had already left, he made and served breakfast to Rebecca. Then, as I returned home and was opening the door to the apartment, our next door neighbors, who speak NO English, communicated to me how happy they we because Justin had helped them earlier in the day. I didn't really understand until Justin came into the stairwell and they started smiling and expressing their happiness.

Amazing. This kid did all this on his own, with no prompting....