I had no idea.....

I knew she wanted a sibling.  She really didn't care, boy or girl, just "please, please, please God, send us a little brother or sister", she prayed each night.

The day we told her she was going to be a big sister, she cried.  Real tears.   Then came the cherry on top.  We told her it wasn't going to be through adoption like we had thought.  This baby was really an answered prayer.  Mommy was going to have a baby, and it was a brother.   You could have offered her the moon instead, and she would have refused.   Tears.  Real tears of joy.

I knew that when she saw him for the first time she would love him, but I had no idea how deep that love would be.  

You have a second mother, little boy.  I know that may not be the best news for you, but just know, this girl has your back.  She will probably drive you crazy with her overprotective ways, but she will ALWAYS have your back.

If given the choice of playground or hanging with her little bro, the boy wins hands down.  

I had no idea he would cast that kind of spell on her.

Each time she comes and speaks to him, his eyes open wide and the volume of his cries weakens to a whimper.  She mumbles sweet words in his ears.  Sweet little words that are secret for just those two.  Whatever they are, they calm him.  Mom gets to change his diaper without the wails and all is right with the world. 

I had no idea how helpful she would be in  her wise five year old ways.

I had no idea that my heart could expand so, and allow me to love again the way I have loved my first.  Watching the love pour from her has made it so simple. 

 I hope they always share this bond.   Even when he keeps going in her room (when he is not allowed), or colors in her favorite notebook with permanant marker, or throws a perfume bottle at her and chips her front tooth, or sells her bike to the kids down the street, or cuts up her clothes to make G.I. Joe combat gear.  Yep, I have a little brother, and I had no idea what a booger he would be.....but I love him dearly.

I think she will, too.