The Older Brother

We’re going nuclear. My family that is. My wife and I have learned the exciting news that we’re expecting! (Ok, technically with one child we were already a nuclear family but it’s funnier this way).

When I found out we were pregnant with Eli my mind was reeling at the thought of being a dad. Now my mind is reeling at the thought of Eli being the oldest. I mean, he doesn’t look older than anyone. Plus, he can’t talk which would make teasing difficult and, by law, older brothers are required to tease.

He is however moody enough to effectively mimic the confoundingly temperamental older brother. Being the second oldest I know what this is like from both sides.

Older brothers can be mean. They can trick you into bad football card trades, make you eat dirt, and hit you in the face with stuffed lions. (Eli, just ask your uncle Daniel). But they can also be awesome, letting you join their band, playing games with you, and looking out for you at school (just ask your uncle Adam).

My son is awesome but he’s also tried to feed me dirt at least twice so he’s definitely older brother material. I don’t know if older brother behavior is hereditary but if it is Eli will think it’s hilarious to try and sit on the new baby’s head (thanks for that gene, uncle Noel).

I hope that Eli will be a good example for his younger sibling but he’s got a ways to go. You know you’re kid isn’t the model older brother when you and your wife are both reminded of him when you see the Incredible Hulk.

Once he gets used to the idea I think Eli will do just fine with the new addition. It's a big deal to go from the only child to the oldest child, and it's really not fair. For instance, the new baby won't have to endure (as) much of the parental experimentation that Eli did.

I've had an opportunity to learn from my mistakes and the new baby will be spared from some of those parenting faux paus (I really didn't think having Eli in the van when I went through the carwash was a bad idea. It was a terrible idea. And a horror baby #2 won't have to endure).

So I guess Eli's already looking out for his younger sibling by teaching me to be a better parent. Which means he’s already being a good older brother. Now if I could just get him to stop trying to feed me dirt...