One of the best pieces of advice I got when I was pregnant with Levi was to have someone else hold him when Bennett came into the hospital room. That way it wasn't like he was looking in on his family, seeing Levi as a replacement. Since mama was already in there (she doesn't do any of the coaching-that's Quinn's job, but only takes pictures) we had her hold Levi when he came in. He crawled up in the bed with me and got some one on one love. He checked out my IV and saw that I was ok. Then we asked him if he was ready to meet his brother. Of course he said yes.
That moment is one I hope I never forget. Bennett was in the bed with me when mama handed over Levi. We unswaddled Levi and let big bro take it all in. He first asked "that's my brother?" When we answered yes, he proceeded with checking him out. As he touched every part of Levi, he said "I like his hands. I like his feet, etc" And then the sweetest moment of my life happened. Bennett looked up at me with those big blue eyes and said "Mama, I love him" Ahhh. A mama can't get much happier than that.'
For anybody that has boys, you know it doesn't stay sappy for long. Because right after that sweet little moment, Levi pooped in his blanket. If he hadn't already won Bennett's heart, I am sure he would have at that moment. Bennett was so amazed and maybe even a little proud that his brother pooped in the blanket. From then on, anytime anybody asked him what he thought of his brother, he would reply "He poops"
Another funny experience was Bennett seeing Levi nurse for the first time. I nursed Bennett for 10 months, but of course he doesn't remember it. So, when I took my boob out and latched Levi on, Bennett looked at me puzzled and said "Mama, he eats your booby?" We just smiled and said "yes, that's how he eats buddy" He was fine with that answer.
I can honestly say that from the very beginning, we have been so blessed with how much our boys love each other. There (so far) has never been any hint of jealousy or sibling rivalry. Bennett is very quick to tell Levi when it is his turn for mommy's attention, but never in a mean way. I pray that the beginning of their relationship is an indication of what they will be like for the rest of their lives.