Big Brother Rex

It is so easy to focus on all the things that Riley is doing or needs, but we have tried really hard to make sure that life hasn't been turned too upside down for Rex.  When we learned the Riley would have Down syndrome we decided that we would never try to hide anything from Rex but we weren't going to make a big deal of telling him that anything was different about his little brother.  Justin and I didn't want Rex to ever be afraid to play with his little brother.  Over the last almost 3 years Rex had discovered little things and at times asks questions but really doesn't think his brother is different than anyone elses.  When Riley was born he had syndactical fingers.  When people would notice or ask about them Rex would tell them that his fingers were stuck together too when he was a baby, but Dr. Bruce fixed them.  When I was home on maternity leave Rex went with me to Riley's school to his initital evaluation from the pediatrician on staff.  I kept waiting for me to ask why there was  Dr at Riley's school but he never said a word.   He has since gone to school with Riley a handful of times and even helped us at the Penny Drive last year.   Rex is learning that a lot of our friends children have down syndrome and that they look similar but he still places no limits on any of them.    Before Riley was born Rex informed us that he was going to teach his baby to walk, and talk, and ride a bike....this list when on and on.  When visited about how when the baby was born he would sleep a lot and not really be able to play since he was so little.  With out a blink Rex says "ok i'll teach my baby to sit on the couch.".  Along the way Rex has become such a wonderful big brother.   The boys wrestle and have such fun playing.  This last week while Riley was home sick he would wait at the window for BUBBA to come home from school.  He misses Rex a ton while he goes to school. 

Tomorrow Justin and I are taking Riley to Rex's school to talk about the Penny Drive for the Spokane Guild school.   Rex is pretty excited about having Riley come to school so we'll see how that goes.  I'll share more tomorrow.