“The mother revealed, ‘He says stuff like, ‘You’re a part of me, and I’ll never let anything horrible happen to you.’ The desire for a younger sibling might occasionally influence other parents to have another child. But what if they are unable to?
Mikey Marotta already has a clear idea of what gift he wants if Santa were to ask. It’s not a video game console, phone, or toy car. According to his parents, Mikey would most likely wish for a baby brother.”
Having a sibling is an exciting prospect for any child. While some youngsters may feel a twinge of jealousy over the attention a new arrival might garner, most embrace the role of elder sibling with open arms.
Mikey was so thrilled about becoming an older brother that he started planning their Halloween costumes. Whenever he received something new or an extra item, he would set it aside and “save” it for his future sibling.
He even jokingly told his mother that his ginger hair was a result of eating buffalo wings, expressing his desire for his brother to share the same hair color as him this time around.
However, getting pregnant wasn’t easy for Jessica and Michael Marotta. They went to great lengths to fulfill Mikey’s dreams, but their efforts were hindered by fertility issues. The most challenging part of their journey was Jessica’s miscarriage in 2007.
When they reached the realization that their efforts were in vain, Jessica and Michael Marotta made the decision to have a heart-to-heart talk with Mikey. During this conversation, they explained to him that it’s perfectly okay for their family to remain a trio.
“When Mikey asked when he was going to get his baby brother, we told him that he might not get one because some families only have one child, which is fine,” Jessica shared with TODAY. “He’d cry and say, ‘That’s okay if I don’t get a human sibling; I have Dillinger,’ our dog.”
However, everything changed in the summer of 2017 when Jessica discovered she was pregnant. Yet, one individual was even more ecstatic than both Jessica and Michael. Mikey, according to Jessica, “teared up and was very happy.” However, the family encountered further challenges.
The baby was diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction, necessitating a C-section delivery. Following the birth, Mikey spent his days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
During their time in the NICU, they learned about the importance of skin-to-skin contact. Jessica had practiced this with Mikey when he was younger, recognizing its significance. So when Mikey was finally permitted to hold his brother against his skin, he was overwhelmed with emotion.
With utmost care, Mikey cradled Jake close to his heart, fully embracing his role as a big brother. Recognizing the importance of his presence and support, Mikey eagerly stepped into this new responsibility.
Their bond only deepened over time. Jessica revealed that whenever Jake heard Mikey’s voice, he would turn his head towards him, seeking his presence. Mikey also had the honor of being the first person to elicit a smile from Jake, solidifying their special connection.
Mikey openly expresses the depth of his love and appreciation for Jake, whom he considers the greatest gift he could ever receive.
“He says things like, ‘You are a part of me, and I will never let anything bad happen to you,’” Jessica shared. Mikey even keeps a picture of Jake in his wallet as a cherished reminder of their special bond.