On June 18th, my entire world was changed. Flipped upside down and inside out -- in the best way possible. The only other person who understands the change I've gone through is Henry. His world has flipped with mine -- he's no longer the baby, "my tiny tiny," but he's the "big brother" holding all the honor and responsibility that title has.
Henry met Nora in the late morning of her birth day. And I think the look on his face sums up how he feels about her. Henry physically loves Nora with every fiber of his being. He loves her in the "I'm going to squeeze you so hard in the most loving of way" way.
Since they met in that hospital room, Henry can't stop touching her. Seriously, not touching her is like a cruel form of torture for Henry. He wants to give her kisses, climb on her, rub his cheek against her soft hair, hold her hand, stick his fingers in her mouth, hug her. Every action is controlled and gentle but constant. Poor Nora cannot get a break from the loving grip of her brother.
Hen also talks to Nora in the highest pitch voice imaginable. It's a unique combination of really sweet and nails on a chalkboard. I don't know where he got the idea to talk to her like that, but it's stuck.
For as much as Henry loves Nora, he is still having a tough adjustment period. It's not Nora he is having a problem with -- it's everyone else. He's become defiant and whiny. He says no to everything and everybody. He's throwing fits over things that would never have bothered him 2.5 weeks ago. He can't seem to listen to even the simplest requests. Every boundary must be tested. And, he's exerting more control over things like pottying. Even his visiting grandmas have felt the wrath.
But we are trying to be as understanding as possible while still holding him to the same rules and consequences he had before Nora was born. Henry seems to really need to make sure his boundaries are firm to feel some sense of order in the situation. And some extra one on one time and cuddles don't hurt either.
I feel like with each passing day, glimpses of the true Henry are coming back. His adjustment has certainly been the hardest part about having a new baby. I feel guilty for creating so much stress in his life, but also so so happy watching Henry interact with Nora. I can only hope that as our new routine gets established he relaxes and I gain patience.
Really, I'm just so excited to see Henry and Nora grow up together. They are everything.
