Big Brother and Sister

Thanks to the good ol' flu season and the notorious H1N1, the hospital decided to make a new rule in regards to visitors. All adults were being screened for flu symptoms at the door before being allowed to enter, and absolutely no visitors under the age of 15 were being allowed into the hospital - not even older siblings of the new baby. This made for a very sad and disappointed big brother and sister, who had been so patiently awaiting the arrival of their little brother! (Too bad we didn't know about this rule until we showed up at the hospital on the night of my induction, or we could have better prepared them for it!)
Tyler has literally been counting down the days until Ryan would come, and was just beside himself to find out he would have to wait two additional days to meet him (that's like 2 weeks for a 4-year-old!). The night I had Ryan, Tyler called and talked to me on the phone and asked why they had this new rule and why we couldn't come home yet. He tried to be tough and hold it together, but it was too much for him to take (on top of being away from his home and Mommy and Daddy). Needless to say, his tears were too much for this emotional mommy to take and I had to pass the phone over to Daddy. Poor little guy.
But, as upsetting as this was for him, it made for an even more exciting homecoming with little Ryan. Billy, Ryan, and I got home first and anxiously awaited the arrival of the big brother and sister.

Seeing their baby brother for the very first time...

They just couldn't take their eyes off of him!

So, so happy!

Tyler is greatly enjoying his role as big brother. He has been a great helper and very understanding of the amount of Mommy's time Ryan is taking up. He was even explaining to Allison the other day that Ryan needs to eat a lot so that he can grow strong and healthy. Tyler loves to hold him and does so like a pro. Now he just can't wait for Ryan to get bigger so they can play together!

These pictures capture some of Tyler's first moments with Ryan. He just couldn't get enough and wanted to check out every little body part.

Allison is already a natural little mommy. She's gotten lots of practice with her dolls afterall. She was very possessive over Ryan and didn't want anyone else holding him. And just like any mommy, she just can't give him enough kisses! She's always telling me, "I need to kiss Ryan just a wittle bit." "A wittle bit" means at LEAST once on each cheek, but preferably 2 or 3 per cheek!

Here are Allison's first moments with Ryan. I think she would have held and cuddled with him all night if I had allowed it!

Then on the way home from Ryan's 1st doctor appointment (he was 5 days old), I turn around to see this:

They just love this little guy to pieces!