Johnny Letter #20

Dear Johnny,

Well, your sister is here.  You could not be less impressed.

In the days leading up to her birth, we explained to you that you'd be going to your Grammy's house for a few days while Mommy and Daddy went to the hospital to get Lily.  All you heard was the first part of the sentence: "You're going to Grammy's house."  We told you this a good week in advance which was a huge mistake on our part because every five minutes for seven days, you asked "Can I go to Grammy's NOW?"  "How about NOW?"  You were not the least bit concerned about the hospital or the impending baby sister.  All that mattered was that you were going to Grammy's house BY YOURSELF.

This, son, is a good thing, and we were happy that you were so excited about the trip. We had some mild concerns that you would feel that you were being kicked out of the nest to make room for the new baby but our fears were unfounded. Actually, you'd have been happy to have been kicked out of the nest. There is, apparently, nothing better in the world than spending a string of days with Grammy.  We called you every day to check in and you'd happily inform us that you were having a fabulous time and "No, I'm not ready to come home.  Not yet.  Maybe tomorrow."  Good enough, kid.

You came to the hospital with Grammy to see us and the new baby before you went away to your posh vacation and we were surprised to find that you were not interested in getting anywhere near that baby.  It was as if your father was holding a rabid honey badger wrapped in a blanket, the way you kept your distance. When you came home I can't say it was much different.  You are more into staying a good three feet away from the baby than, say, holding her or helping feed her.  Which is okay.  Like your dad says, "You have a lifetime to warm up to her."

Miss Kiley at school informed me that when asked about your new baby sister, you replied "She won't talk to me. She only wants to sleep and eat."  Touche, Son.  That is the truth.  We promise she'll get to be more fun in time.

Last night you deigned to sit with me in the big chair on my right and watch a movie on my Kindle while I held the baby on my left. But heck if you were gonna make eye contact with her. Still, we called it progress.

We're doing everything in our power to make sure you feel just as loved and nurtured as you did pre-baby and truly, if anything, this experience with Lily has only made us love and appreciate you more - if that's possible.  You are adorable and smart and charming, and Lily is so lucky to have such a great role model to follow. Here's hoping she doesn't annoy you too much.  Little sisters tend to idolize their big brothers, so be careful with her.

We missed you so much while you were away having the time of your life at Grammy's.  We're so thrilled to have a family of four now and so lucky especially to have you. You're one of a kind and more special than a five legged goat.  That is pretty special. I swear, I saw one once. You don't forget that.

All of my love and heart and hugs,

Mama