A Letter to Patrick

Dear Patrick,

I know it's not yet time for one of your monthly letters, but a milestone so large is looming that I feel the need to start preparing you for it now.

Daddy and I found out the other day that in the matter of a few months, you will be a big brother. I know you didn't have any say in the matter, but with the new baby will come all sorts of new responsibilities for you. In fact, some of them may come sooner than expected.

Somehow I doubt you remember this, but when you were inside Mommy's belly, you caused all sorts of problems. Mommy was lucky enough to be able to lie in bed almost all day every day because of how sick you made her. Unfortunately, I can't do that this time. You and Angie require so much of my attention and care that I can't set my life aside to take care of myself and the new baby. That means that if I get as sick again, our lives may change significantly. Mommy may end up having to mommy you from bed or the couch much of the time. I may not be able to get on the floor and chase you around. If things get worse than they were when I was pregnant with you, the doctor might make me stay in bed altogether. I don't know what we would do then, if I was unable to take care of you altogether, but you might be forced to grow up fast in that case.

Even after this baby comes, you'll keep getting new responsibilities. Being a big brother is a big responsibility. You'll be a role model for your little brother or sister. He or she will want to imitate everything you do as you get older. While that will drive you crazy at times, you'll realize more and more as you get older how flattering that really is. It's a big responsibility to grow up right yourself so that you can lead your brother or sister to be a responsible kid and then adult too.

We all know, even now, that there will be times when you will wish we had never decided to give you a brother or sister. You two will fight like bitter enemies, and Mommy and Daddy will wonder what we were thinking to have more than one of you. Through all of it, though, I know you will come out as the best of friends. You will grow up to be grateful that we provided ready-made friends and playmates. I'm looking forward to teaching both you and your sibling important life lessons, such as sharing and loving no matter what.

I'm sorry now for springing this big change on you all of a sudden, because it will certainly seem that way in September when we bring home your baby brother or sister for the first time. I have faith in you, however, to naturally understand how best to be a model older brother. You've exceeded our expectations in every other way, especially when it comes to loving people for who they are, so I have no reason to expect you to fail this time. In fact, I think you will be excited when you see the new baby that I'm certain you'll claim as yours from the start.

And in case you need the reassurance, we will love you no less because we're welcoming a new baby into the house. In fact, I have a feeling loving a new baby will only remind us just how much we love you--especially when you'll sleep through the night even when the baby is crying.

Love,
Mommy