The Big Bros Meet Jansen

Yesterday (Thursday, the 5th), Koen, Tavin and Penn came to visit me in the hospital to meet Jansen.  We waited until after Koen's school day because I wanted to make sure Koen got to meet the baby either first or at the same time as his younger brothers.  He's the leader of the pack, so I figured it was his right as first-born.  The little guys didn't mind and it was great to have Koen there since he is most aware of the situation and he is such a baby lover!  Basically, the pictures say it all about this quick, introductory visit.  The boys all crowded on the bed and Penn was wide-eyed, but thankfully not sad seeing me with this new person in my arms.  I passed Jansen to Doug and Penn got a really good look at him.  I think Penn was expecting a bigger, more active baby then a newborn.  

Like I said, "wide-eyed!"

Some gentle loves for the new brother.  Penn was really sweet and calm.  I was relieved.  This whole experience must be a lot to take in for a 2 year old!

Koen, on the other hand, was  Mr. Confident.  He's been talking about holding the baby for weeks now.  He did a great job showing Penn and Tav that this new little guy was something to cherish and welcome right into the pack.

Kiss from the biggest to the littlest...melt my heart.

Tav was pensive and observant, but followed Koen's lead of acting like this was no big deal.  He snuggled up with me and Jansen for a bit.

After prodding from Doug, Tav gave "holding" him a try.  It was really sweet, Tav hadn't wanted to because he was afraid of dropping him.  I love that he would be so careful!

The boys didn't stay much longer since their arrival time coincided a little closely to when Jansen needed to eat next unintentionally.  It was good though, just a quick, happy visit to get everyone introduced.  I was impressed by all 3 of the boys each handling the situation well and they were each calm and sweet.  These guys just love the brotherhood!

With it being a quick visit, the emotions were a little high last night and Doug said they got a little intense after he brought them home.  We decided a slightly longer visit was due for the next morning when all three boys would be hanging with our friends, Taylor and Genna, at the house (yep, that's right, it just so happens Koen and Tav's preschool BOTH had no school today (Friday) because of parent-teacher conferences).  So around 11am this morning, Taylor and Genna walked the boys over to the hospital as their big morning activity.  Again, I'll just let the pictures help me tell the story.  Koen was again asking to hold Jansen right away.  He was so sweet too because the first thing he asked was, "How's Jansen today?"  What a thoughtful little 7 year old!  Penn climed up next to Koen on the couch to try and act confident about this big brother stuff.  He was definitely more fragile today (as to be expected after two days of friends, sitters, daddy instead of mommy and this whole new big brother thing, he's a little overwhelmed!  But he still hung in there with just a few snuggly break-downs (I was happy to cuddle this big baby in my arms).

All my Melder boys.  Quite the amazing, handsome, special crew.  My heart is so filled with joy!

With Taylor there, we even got a family picture!

Taylor and Genna are big baby fans, they both got a chance to snuggle Jansen.  So thankful for friends like these that just jump into the mix when we need them to!!

Koen had to get his hands back on his baby brother.  I am so thankful for the way the Lord made him so comfortable and accepting with little ones.  What a blessing!

Doug invited to help Tav hold Jansen.  Again, he was very tentative.  He was so cautious and afraid of dropping him or something.  So precious to see his reservedness and care for his brother.  Doug coaxed him in to see Jansen's eyes to see if he would get another "blue-eyed buddy."  Tavin was our only blue-eyed boy and in anticipation of Jansen's birth he and I have been talking about if he'd get another "blue-eyed buddy" (I'm currently his only one in the family).  Right now it looks like Jansen's eyes are blue, but Koen's started that way too, so we'll have to wait and see if they turn or not.  Tavin was so engaged in checking out Jansen's eyes and Jansen was really alert at that moment.  It was sweet to watch.

Doug got this picture from up above.  See how open Jansen's eyes are?  Best pic we have yet of his eyes.  He's looking at you, Tavin Dale!

We snagged some graham crackers, pretzels and apple juice from the snack area here on the floor and the boys had fun snacking while we all visited.  Then it was time to get them suited up and on their way home.  Penn fell apart a bit before leaving, so we had some snuggles, I made him laugh and then we got a little Mommy/Penn Rye picture.  Don't worry, Penn, my heart swells with each child I have and there's room for all 4 of you babies in my heart and in these arms.  

Here's the boys ready to head out into the cold temps and sunny glare.  These kids are too much! 

Well, there you have it.  The Melder boys have officially all met and moved from a terrific trio to a capital quad.  

PS - Will have some more sweet Jansen photos and a wrap-up from this special one-on-one time at the hospital with him (and FYI's on how all our friends made it possible by filling in for us at home) eventually, but headed home tonight around 9pm, so it's about to get real and the blog posts will definitely come at a slower pace!