An Interview With the Big Brother: 3 Months In.
Today we are celebrating 3 months as a family of 4. Benjamin Lee has added so much joy (and other things) to our lives.
Benjamin’s first fire
When I got pregnant, we wondered how becoming a big brother would impact Lifa while he navigates puberty’s waters and figures out his place in a diverse country and family. As you can tell by my negligent posting, it’s been a whirlwind of a 3 months! We’ve had family from overseas, Chris has gone overseas, and we’ve moved… while figuring out how to do all the brand new baby things and meet the needs of a budding pre-teen.
Tonight, I took advantage of our 3 month milestone to do a check-in with Lifa. I interviewed him as an authority: the only one who knows how to be a kid in the Ladd Family. He’s the current reining expert on being and was stoked to share his wisdom. He was also super impressed that I could type as fast as he could talk. Here it is, folks: hot and fresh from the after dinner table.
The 3 Month Big Brother Interview
Mom: So, you’ve been a big brother now for three months. How’s it gone so far?
Lifa: It’s gone good. It’s pretty fun. I mean, there’s some work, but it’s gonna be worth it.
Mom: When do you think it’ll be “worth it”?
Lifa: When he’s old enough to play with me. Or when I’m old enough to train him for rugby.
Mom: When do you think that will be?
Lifa: Seven.
Mom: What’s the best part about being a big brother?
Lifa: You get to stare at him a lot and see him smile. You get to shake* him in the car.
Mom: What’s the worst part?
Lifa: Less Mom time. Noisy car rides. Crying.
Mom: When Benjamin gets older, how would you want him to describe his big brother to other people?
Lifa: Fun. Cool. Strong. Brave. Helpful. Smart. Talented. Inspiring. Funny. Majestic. Artistic. Sporty.
Mom: Those are really good answers! How are you going to show Benjamin those parts of you?
Lifa: Do fun and cool things with him. Teach him how to play sports. Show him some magic tricks. Teach him how to draw. Helping him with things he needs help with. Show him dance moves.**
Mom: You’re going to be busy! If you and Benjamin built a fort where no one could see or hear you, and you were going to teach him the secrets to success about being a Ladd Family kid, what would you tell him?
Lifa: Be as helpful as possible. Don’t eat the food while it’s cooking because Mom will get angry - even if you see Dad doing it. Clean up the dog poop, even if there’s only one in the whole yard. Always put your sandwich in a sandwich bag before putting it in the toaster, and clean up the crumbs after! Clean up your messes or you’ll end up cleaning the whole kitchen. Make sure you always like beans and rice. Play with the dogs so you can get their energy out, and make sure they don’t dig holes... because then you have to clean them up. Never open gates without permission. Have fun. Follow the “We Are the Ladd Family Values”, and try to memorize the whole thing. Read the Bible. Have quiet times. Do your homework before anything else. Play rugby (if you want to). Do everything you do the best you can. Never give up. We always play The Thankful Game in the car and do highs and lows at dinner. Don’t be like me and try to sneak in two highs.
Mom: Do you think you and Benjamin will be friends when you’re both grown ups? And if you do, what will you guys do together?
Lifa: Play rugby. Go camping. Go on adventures. Have competitions. Take naps together.
Mom: From what you know about Benjamin now, what do you think he’s going to be like when he’s older?
Lifa: He’ll be funny, sporty. He’ll have good hair.
Mom: If God were to give you one big brother super power... it can be anything... What would you ask for?
Lifa: So, like you have Mom powers and that stuff?
Mom: Yes.
Lifa: Oh, ok. Knowing what he’s thinking about.
* shake - Do not be concerned. He actually rocks the car seat back and forth. And is convinced his big brother magic does the trick every time.
** italicized to denote extreme eyebrow movement during answer.
This one was taken today. Benjamin was checking out his big brother during this tummy time workout while Lifa tole me everything about his first day back to school after holiday.