Hey Jealousy

When you bring a new baby home from the hospital you always know that there will be changes to everyone's routine and that it won't always be easy. And, with two other kids at home there are bound to be some issues.

When McKenna and Cooper first came to the hospital to meet Kinley they were in complete awe of her. Cooper especially appeared to be about ready to burst with love for his new sister. He diligently washed his hands and then immediately asked to hold her. He wanted to help feed her and prepare her bottles. He even would fetch diapers and wipes when asked. For a moment I thought that perhaps we were going to get off easy. Perhaps this was going to work out pretty well.

I. Was. Wrong. Well, I should clarify that. For a brief time I was lulled into a false sense of security thinking that we were going to get by without any jealousy issues. However, a few days after being home we found ourselves face to face with someone elses kid. That's the only way I can describe it. Now, Cooper has always had it in him to push the limits a bit and push buttons too. But this...this child is not possibly my child.

In addition to figuring out a new routine with Kinley, we are also trying to figure out this new kid who has temporarily invaded our home. He is still over the top in love with his sister. But he is not so in love with listening lately. I know that it is his own way of adapting to a new routine and a new person in the house. He is no longer our "baby". And that must be hard. It is hard as a mom to watch him go through this transition. It is hard to know that I still have to discipline him even when I know that on some level he is hurting. He asks to be held a lot - something he hasn't done in a long, long time. Unfortunately it's most often when we are standing up or walking somewhere and I am not able to pick him up. It's so sad.

Yesterday we saw a glimpse of our old buddy. But today his alter ego started peeking through again while we did some pictures of all the kids. I am looking forward to the day when we can kiss this jealous streak goodbye. Until then I guess we just hang in and hang on with all we've got cause Coop's a pretty cool kid and let's face it- we all have our issues.

We love you Coop!