Mommy's tummy is big and round, like it's hiding a great big secret. Maysaa 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, Maysaa waits and waits. The clock ticks so slowly! So Maysaa draws a picture — bright suns and little stars — for the tiny someone not yet met.
Ring, ring! The telephone! "Maysaa, the baby is born!" Maysaa 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 Maysaa, 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. Maysaa stands in the corner, feeling very, very small — small as a button.
Then — a tiny, tiny hand curls around Maysaa's finger. It holds on tight, tight, tight, and won't let go. Maysaa 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 Maysaa, go!" Zoom, zoom, down the hall and back again, carrying the tallest diaper tower ever.
When the baby cries, Maysaa sings the soft calm-down song, low and sweet. At naptime, Maysaa 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 Maysaa. "Congratulations, big sibling!" The badge twinkles and shines. And the baby seems to smile too — just a tiny, sleepy little smile.