Competition

So as I read up on how to prepare my two-year-old for the baby-to-be, I am reminded of how a pediatrician friend described the conflict for me years ago:
"Imagine that your husband comes home one day and says, 'Honey, I'm going to have another wife. She's coming to live with us, and I love her just as much as I love you. But don't worry, you're still special to me! Plus, she's so cute and sweet--you'll love her too!'"
This, my friend says, is how the first child will feel about the new baby, at least for a while.
Oh no! So what, do I have to watch _Sister Wives_ to understand the rollercoaster of emotions my son will have as he deals with this new addition to our family? NO, no, of course not! Besides, that guy's Beauty & the Beast hairdo irritates me no end.
But it does make me wonder how my son will ever understand. My hope is that he enjoys the pride of being a Big Brother, and that as the baby grows up, he learns he can enjoy the kid's company too. That maybe they can even be (dare I write it?) friends?
So, this new anxiety can be added to my list of things to pretend I'm not worried about.
It's going to be a long 9 months.