Getting the boys on board

With the news that I have to rest, rest, and rest, it has meant that we are having to make some changes at home.

I won't tell my boys that they need to leave me alone, as it wouldn't be good for them or me. I need their company as much as they need mine. And I'm still their mom. It does mean that we are having to do things a little differently, though.

Because of the vast age gap between Numbers 1 and 2, we had to handle telling each of them separately.

Number 2: 

The other morning, I lay on the bed with Number 2, who is 8 years old, to tell him that I have to rest more. I reminded him that he was only in my tummy for 34 weeks and that his brother made it to 38 weeks. We spoke about the fact that Bean has only been there for 29 weeks now, and that we would like for him to stay put for at least as long as Number 2. I let him do the maths.

We covered a variety of points on the topic of keeping Bean in place, like how I still love hugs but we mustn't rub my tummy. And how he would be getting a lift to school with his friend so that I can cut down on driving, and rest. We talked of ways that he could be more independent, such as getting ready earlier in the mornings and making his breakfast himself, and more importantly, cleaning up after himself. He was so sweet and attentive about it. I love that he is so enthusiastic about getting a new brother.

Number 1: 

Number 1 is my one of my all time stars. Having been through the aftermath of the accident with me, he is sensitized to my moods and needs. Without having been told very much, he has already started to look out for me. Number 1 is also very responsible and he and I have been very close since that first day he arrived in my arms.

Mr Stubbles took him off to a local coffeeshop for a milkshake, and they discussed the situation man to man. I think Number 1 appreciates being treated as an almost-grown-up.

I had a call from the school yesterday, and it was Number 1 checking on how I was doing and wanting to know if he should still go to his extra lesson, from which I would need to fetch him. I found his sensitivity to my needs really touching... and sent him on his way because he needs the extra lesson, and as his mom, I still have to prioritise the needs of all my children.

He has also been helping Mr Stubbles to rearrange the furniture in our home, to my specifications. I have been rather demanding...

Having my boys understand and prepared really means a lot to me. They are certainly not expected to look after the baby, but it really feels to good to have them step in around me as a unified family.

Mr Stubbles

Mr Stubbles has been fantastic about getting the boys on board, and taking over a lot of the parenting duties:

He has been taking Number 2 off to ride his bike at the local bike park after homework, and the little guy is really building confidence. He sent me this awesome action shot, so I didn't feel left out or worried...

Mr Stubbles even has them washing dishes... something I never thought would happen! More miraculous still is that Number 2 is doing dishes enthusiastically.
I'm starting to suspect brain-washing.