Getting Titus to bed is a workout. For some reason he is shocked at the same routine -EVERY NIGHT. Do your kids do that? Act as though bedtime is a complete and utter shock constantly? Maybe it’s just mine.. but tonight was extra special as we quickly discovered that Titus had shoved a small brown LEGO up his left nostril when he was supposed to be sleeping. So Mike and I ended our night with me googling how to blow in his mouth to dislodge the LEGO safely (thank you internet). Thankfully our tiny human made it back to bed with no issues. Life with kids.
Shifting places in the family is certainly not easy. Going from the baby to the middle child has definitely been an adjustment for our Titus. However, I have to say he is such an incredible big brother. One piece of advice I’ve held onto even as Kai learned to share space with Titus almost three years ago, is:
Don’t exclude your child from the experience of the new baby. Allow your child to be a part, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Even when Titus is trying to give Izaiah actual food or use my breast pump to assist in the milk supply – or even in this sweet moment where he wanted to squeeze Izaiah til he potentially pooped (I was literally about to grab the baby when we caught this shot!). I’ve made it a point to allow him to process and interact with all new things baby. Don’t get me wrong in the midst of learning we are actively safeguarding little guy haha, but we keep it a point to allow Titus to be very much a part.
As I keep that parenting piece in the forefront of my mind, I find myself being so thankful for Titus. Watching him step into himself even more so with Izaiah’s arrival, I’m so amazed at how gentle and fiercely he loves his brothers. Titus lights up being with either of them and I feel like he is a special type of bond that’s woven itself through our family’s fabric. Titus demands all the things, but gives so freely in only a way that he can. His heart is massive and anyone that meets him knows just how special he is.
I had to write these things down to remember what this season is like right now. How I feel in the midst of very little sleep, moments of irritability, but getting to see my kids for who they are…and most importantly how blessed I am that I get to be their mom.
Titus you’re one of a kind in every way. I pray that I never stifle who you are out of my own convenience, but rather help sharpen, develop, and be a catalyst to who you can become. You are so many things that are needed for me and this family. I love you beyond words, feelings, and emotions. You are one of my greatest gifts.
– love Mommy