Brothers

Just watching my boys play together today was the biggest blessing. It hasn't been the best week (or month really) for us or for many family and friends of ours, so I've been feeling a bit weary and discouraged. Both boys have been sick in some way recently and Jack was so feverish this week that we were stuck at home for two full days, which is about 46 hours longer than I like to be at home at one time during the day! We've all been a bit cranky with each other and stir crazy. Anyway, finally today everyone was well and we had a pretty normal routine of snuggling, playing, breakfast, gym, snack, etc. Then we headed for Unpluggits so the boys could play without being out in the heat. And just watching them brought me back to reality, to the realization of how amazing they are, how blessed I am, and how precious this time is that I have with them. I also realized how blessed THEY are to have each other. So many days throughout this pregnancy as I've been sick and my energy has lagged, I've questioned whether having three kids was the right decision for us, us meaning me and Randy. It was a very well thought out decision but happened quicker than we thought it would so even though this was the plan, it honestly took me by surprise. I've nostalgically remembered the days of having one small toddler who went to bed at 7pm, leaving Randy and I plenty of time to be together, and plenty of money to spend. I've thought how easy it would have been to stick with one or two kids and just focus on them, how hard our schedule will be next year, how much money we'll spend (private school for three, aughhh!), how many things we're sacrificing for me to stay at home, etc. But as I watched Jack and Graham play together and heard their joyful squeals and sweet voices yelling out, "Graham, come on, follow me!" and "Wait for me, Brubber!" I realized how much we have blessed these sweet boys by giving them each other. Even at a full three years apart, Jack and Graham are like two peas in a pod. Jack has a built in buddy for life and Graham looks up to Jack and learns so much from him. Jack protects Graham. Graham makes Jack laugh. Jack helps Graham reach things. Graham lets Jack choose what game to play and then joins in happily. Jack tickles Graham. Graham tackles Jack. They are such good friends and I can't imagine either of them without the other in his life. At night, Jack always prays for Graham. It is so precious. I usually have to remind him that there are others who need prayer as well and encourage him to include them but even when he does pray for others, he never leaves his brother out. The other morning when I woke Jack up, the first thing he said to me was, "I want to play with Graham!" and when I woke Graham he said, "I want Jack!" I pray that my sweet boys will always love each other this much. Even though they fight and argue like all brothers, they have a deep love for each other that is different from the love they have for Mommy and Daddy. It is special. And I can't wait for them to meet baby brother and discover a new bond and a new best friend in him! I know there will be many days that are hard and when they're not getting along (or when they are but it's because they're ganging up on me!) and many more sacrifices to come, but honestly I don't think life is worth living without people you are willing to sacrifice for and who bring you the kind of joy in one short moment that could make any tough day, month, or year worthwhile. Randy and I are so thankful for each other and for our three boys. We are blessed beyond belief. We can imagine an easier life for sure, but we can't imagine a better one!