The Protector

Today, I wanted to take the time to talk about Carter. While the blog is about our journey with Jackson and Fragile X, Carter plays a huge part in the journey. He is Jackson’s big brother, his best friend and his protector and he deserves to be recognized for all his awesomeness.

Carter (4) and Jackson (2) are 19 months apart. At times we questioned if we were crazy to have the boys so close together, but as time has gone on we have realized it was the BEST decision we could’ve made.

From day 1, Carter was intrigued by Jackson. He wanted to hold him, help feed him and always wanted him to “do more”. We had to explain that babies don’t do much for the first few months, which Carter had a hard time understanding, but none the less, he loved Jackson!

It has been almost a year since we received Jackson’s diagnosis and we never kept that a secret from Carter. Even at the age of 3, we explained to him that Jackson has Fragile X and that means he learns differently than you and others, so always be there to help him, teach him and take care of him. He has gone above and beyond our expectations. In random conversations, Carter will tell me he is glad that he and Jackson are at the same school and he hopes they are always at the same school, so he can always be there to protect Jackson as his big brother. Guys, he is 4!!! The amount of love he has for his brother is unreal and makes my heart so happy.

We were at a play place, prior to COVID, and a couple of the kids said, “Aww look at the baby”. Carter very defensively said, “He is not a baby. He is 2 and his name is Jackson and he is my brother”. The kids actually acknowledged what he had said and engaged with Jackson as if he was a big kid like them. It was incredible to witness. At the age of 4, I was not in protective mode and I certainly don’t think I would’ve handled things the way Carter has. He is wise beyond his years and I know that no matter where lifes take our boys, Carter will always be there looking out for Jackson.

I also wanted to take a second to share that during all our crazinesss of Work From Home, virtual therapy sessions, school assessments and life that our 4 year old learned how to ride a big boy bike in less than a day. When Carter was about 2-2.5 we started him on a balance bike. These bikes have no pedals or training wheels. It is just supposed to help your child find their balance and work on their core muscles, so when the time comes they won’t need training wheels and boy did that work! He got his big boy bike on a Friday evening and Saturday afternoon he was riding like he had been for years! The most incredible thing to witness. I am so proud of both our boys and look foward to their future.

XOXO