Brothers

 When we found out we were having a boy, I was thrilled for more than one reason. First and foremost, I have all the girl I can handle in Alaina. I mean that in a good way, really I do. I have, and will have, lots of fun with the hair, the bows, the dresses, the dancing, the pink and the frills. I mean really, can a girl's room get more girly than this? No. : )

 That said, my experience with Conner has been so deeply extraordinary, that I was thrilled at the prospect of another boy. Let me clarify that my experience when I say "boys" is really my experience with Conner, so although limited and somewhat bias, it is all I have. Boys are easy. Give them a box of cars, they are happy. Throw on a t-shirt and shorts any day of the week for any occasion, any time of year and they are good to go. Send them outside and they will find something to do. Put them on a playground and guarantee, you will not hear from them until they return dirty and sweaty. Since I have had a boy and a girl, I have done the cute nurserys, new clothes and shoes and was able to enjoy basking in the fun of having each. Expecting the third, and especially being a boy, I knew it would be simple. Simple it was. I resurrected Conner's nursery (literally, since I had everything packed away) and even some of his baby clothes, stocked up on diapers and onsies and I was ready.

I knew that Zane's relationship with Conner and Alaina would be special, but that first moment when  I saw admiration in Zane's eyes when he looked at Conner was amazing. It happened about ten days ago when I was holding Zane in my lap burping him. Conner came up to say hey and Zane went from a solemn look to a bright smile and sort of looked at Conner out from under his lashes in a way I could only translate as loving. When Zane was first born, Conner would say "Oh my goodness, I just can't stand looking at him anymore, he is so cute!" and he would leave the room, lol! I have such hope for these brothers. Conner is such a naturally kind and loving child that I can only imagine how much he will extend himself to Zane. Most people when they hear about the ages of my children say, "Oh, I bet your daughter is loving it" or "I bet you get a lot of help from your daughter" and I even hear story upon story about how when there is a bog age gap, the older brother "doesn't really care" or "won't help out" with the younger siblings. Not here. Conner's interest in being with Zane has only grown. Here are a few of the moments I captured with them together the other day. Fair warning for a plethora of pics, but just LOOK at each of their faces!

Many people have commented, that with the age difference, my boys won't have that close of a relationship as they grow up. I say with every bit of confidence that Conner and Zane will be an exception, and I can't wait to experience it.