blessed by Leo: everyone deserves a sister like Meris

Sunday, August 26, 2012

everyone deserves a sister like Meris

Meris was an only child for 10 years, until Seth came along. She quickly understood what it meant to be a "big sister". By the time Leo arrived, she was 13.5 years old and had the sister routine down pat. At first she didn't understand what it would mean to have a little brother with Down Syndrome. Quickly she came to realize it only meant having another sweet baby brother to love. Leo has stolen her heart and brought out the best in her. She is the one who has made him smile the most, the one who first got him to laugh, and she makes him feel completely and unconditionally loved. She can calm him most easily, second to mom of course, and is just a natural caretaker.

Leo has been so blessed to be home with our family for the past (almost) six months. Three months with mom, and the entire summer (almost another three months) with dad. All the while having Meris to step in and watch, care for, and play with him.

Tomorrow, Meris will have her first day of high school. Tomorrow, Leo will have his first day at daycare. Even though I'm excited for both Meris and Leo, to see them each grow as they take their next step in life's journey, I'm sad to see summer end and our time spent during the day with Leo cut shorter. I can't thank our sweet daughter enough for the hours and love she has shared with her baby brother for the first half year of his life. He clearly adores his sister! Here are a few glimpses of some of their moments together...