The excitement is overwhelming. It washes over me like a tidal wave, bringing me along with it. I wonder what it will be like, what his reaction to me will be when he sees me for the first time. I always liked people like him, you know, the small baby kind. My goal was to transform him into a version of me. I kept thinking about how he could never be as awesome as me, but after the moment I am about to share with you, I then saw the big picture. This was the day that my dad decided that I could go see my newest addition to the family, my brother Ian.

Now, being the curious 5 year old prodigy I was, a maternity ward was a new adventure! My parents told me that I wasn’t going to be able to hold him. I had never held a baby before but of course, I was too young to understand that it isn’t a good idea to drop them, you know, babies.

On our way there I kept going over the scenarios… “I really hope he likes me Dad!”

My dad replied “I’m sure he will Ryan.”

I kept that mindset until we arrived at the hospital. I never imagined it being such a big place so big. Surprisingly, (not including the fact that I was born in a hospital) I had never been to the hospital, for injuries or other matters. With that in mind, I found myself being completely invincible, until I tripped on the pavement walking in. So, with ripped up knee and all, I walked through the long hallways. Narrow and bland the hallway spiraled on and on, like a never ending road. My footsteps were like drops of water, echoing in the depths of a cave. It felt like an endless eternity.

I trudged through to the elevator and up the second floor until we finally reached the room. I was exploding with wonder, I sat in the chairs right outside the door just barely hearing the baby “talk” as I had my ear pressed to the door. Then I walked in, and my eyes just grew. Each one as big as the world, of which at that moment I felt I had conquered to the highest height and the deepest of ocean depths. I practically tackled him as I ran up to look at him. I couldn’t believe myself, when I suddenly blurted out “HE’S SO TINY!” *insert R2-D2 (WAAAOOOW)* 

My parents and I couldn't stop laughing. I was as happy as if I had won the lottery while being an astronaut in space at the same exact time. It took quite a bit to match my feelings about my 5 year old childish dreams, but this blew them away. I begged and pleaded, I wanted and I entreated for just a second to hold him. My parents finally gave in and told me that I could hold him if they helped me. I sat on the bed with a small blanket in my arms as my dad laid him there. His microscopically small hands reached out to me as I held him. I was starstruck. Usually I would be blabbing my mouth about how I was the big kid for holding something so fragile and precious as this, but I was lost for words. I finally understood that the world wasn't about me. I couldn't believe I finally had a new baby brother.