Mommy's tummy is big and round, like it's hiding a great big secret. Avery presses one ear against it, ever so gently. "There'll be a surprise when we're back," says Mommy with a kiss.
At Grandma's house, Avery waits and waits. The clock ticks so slowly! So Avery draws a picture — bright suns and little stars — for the tiny someone not yet met.
Ring, ring! The telephone! "Avery, the baby is born!" Avery jumps higher than the sofa — one jump, two jumps, three! The happy news fizzes inside like tiny bubbles.
Wow... the baby is SO tiny, all wrinkly and pink, with teeny-tiny fingers. "Hello," whispers Avery, soft as a feather. "I'm your big sibling. Welcome to the family."
Gifts and flowers crowd around the baby, and everyone coos at the bassinet. Nobody looks over here. Avery stands in the corner, feeling very, very small — small as a button.
Then — a tiny, tiny hand curls around Avery's finger. It holds on tight, tight, tight, and won't let go. Avery keeps very still, and a warm glow spreads all through that thumpy little heart.
Some jobs are for big kids ONLY! Like — lightning-fast diaper delivery! "Helper Avery, go!" Zoom, zoom, down the hall and back again, carrying the tallest diaper tower ever.
When the baby cries, Avery sings the soft calm-down song, low and sweet. At naptime, Avery stands quiet guard by the bassinet, still as a little statue. Shhh —
"When you're a bit bigger, I'll show you the slide, teach you sandcastles, and tell you all the very best things. Just you wait — playing together is going to be SO much fun!"
Mommy pins a golden star badge on Avery. "Congratulations, big sibling!" The badge twinkles and shines. And the baby seems to smile too — just a tiny, sleepy little smile.