January 12, 2005
Brothers
They're just 22 1/2 months apart, but John David seems so much bigger than Elliot, who is just about 10 days old in this picture. At his five-day pediatric visit, Elliot had already gained six ounces, so he's on his way. . .
But John David has been growing rapidly these last busy four months or so. I think I've blinked, and he's not a baby anymore (this is getting very sad. . . ). It is hard to imagine that he was the one I was nursing until just five months ago, when he decided that he had had enough. He doesn't seem to be looking back. He has even begun to drink cow's milk--which he could not tolerate until recently--though he calls it water which has been his favorite and almost exclusive beverage up 'til now.
Well, these boys are so different in their needs right now too. It's quite a juggling act during the day. It can be frustrating when I feel I'm failing them both. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and odd when you're carrying a child in each arm up and down stairs a dozen times daily or becoming crushed by tears you can't presently console because some other emergency begs response.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed, but then I remember that these concerns are common among so many moms who are and have always been doing this hard but wonderful job of nurturing and guiding children. Before I know what hit me, these boys will be running around together. I think each one is the best gift we could ever give to the other; they will have each other for life, hopefully as great friends.