Little Leonidas P experienced a best and worst day at the same time. 

    He felt it was worst than best when he learned that he would soon have a baby brother. It was like his whole little world came to a crashing halt, like when a speeding train stops at a train crossing for cows to pass. 

    For a while, little Leonidas P noticed that something very strange was happening to mommy’s tummy. It kept growing and growing and growing and would not stop growing. He became afraid to get close to his mommy.

So, little Leonidas P did what most three-year-old toddlers does whenever they get frightened. He'd run away to the only person he felt safe with, his daddy. His daddy would always remind him that he was safe and loved.

    Whenever, mommy tries to cuddle with little Leonidas P, he would run away and leap into the arms of his daddy, where he'd always find comfort.

    This made mommy very sad. So, one day mommy and daddy talked it over among themselves and agreed that it was time to 

have a talk with little Leonidas P, and tell him the good news.

   On that wonderful day, little Leonidas P was playing with his favorite toys in his room. Mommy and daddy knocked gently on the door, then walked into the bedroom.

   Daddy sat on the floor where little Leonidas P was busy playing with his fire trucks, police cars, mail trucks, race cars, front loader and train set. 

    Then, daddy cleared his throat and said, “Wow, look, like you’re having a lot of fun.”  “Yes, I am, all by myself.” Little Leonidas P replies.

Daddy continued, “Leonidas, mommy and I have some exciting news to tell you.  Mom and dad said at the same time, “You are going to have a baby brother.”

     Mommy added, “And you know what? You are going to be the greatest big brother ever. Wouldn’t that be awesome?”

     “No! No! No!”Little Leonidas P shouted at his mommy and daddy! “Not a brother!”  I do not want a brother! Or a sister! I just want my mommy and daddy all to myself. I love being an only child! See, I can play and have fun all by myself.”

Little Leonidas P quickly pushed the easel to the floor and threw down his paint set he was holding; and then he ran past his mommy crying trying to get away from her opened arms. This time he didn’t run to daddy.

    He ran into their bedroom, hoping not to be found. He hid beneath the bed—his favorite hiding place. 

    Mommy and daddy looked at each other with a worried expression on their faces. “This was going to be much harder than we thought.” 

Mommy said, with pain in her voice. 

    Without hesitation, mommy and daddy hurried after little Leonidas P. Mommy stood next to the bed and daddy sat on the floor, next to little Leonidas P; they pleaded with him to come out from beneath the bed; but little Leonidas P refused.

    When all failed, mommy went to the kitchen to bring back a bowl of little Leonidas P’s favorite ice cream- vanilla with bite- size bits of chocolate on the top. 

    Little Leonidas P could not resist the sweet taste and smell of ice cream. He crawled out 

from beneath the bed. He went and stood in front of his mommy with outstretched hands, a twinkle in his eyes and a great big smile on his face.

Daddy picked little Leonidas P from off the floor and placed him on the bed between the pillows, and rested his back against the headboard. 

    Mommy sat on the side of the bed next to little Leonidas P and said, “Sweetheart do you understand what daddy and I were trying to say earlier?”

“Yes mommy,” Little Leonidas P responded