We're not surprised at our 3 1/2-year old son's behavior. He is oblivious to the baby discussions we have amongst ourselves with our daughter. Dad decided to start preparing him for the change. He asked him, “Would you like to be a big brother?”

“No!” son responds.

Dad tries again, “Would you like a little brother or sister?”

“No!”

<sigh> It isn't a surprise coming from him.

Then, the next week, he started saying he did want a baby brother or sister. Wanna bet he'll change his mind especially after Mom balloons? I wouldn't be surprised if he says mean things about the baby after it arrives, but he'll get over it as most kids do. He better!

When son came along, daughter reacted as we expected it. Happy, not jealous, etc. etc. Now, she calls him her “annoying little brother.”