Brothers

When people find out how close in age my little munchkins are their first response is a sort of horrified look on their face with a comment such as "ooooh, you're busy". What they actually mean to say is "are you insane/did you plan this" (actually, a few people do say this out loud to me). Then they realize that maybe they should follow up with a nice and encouraging comment such as, "They will be so close and best friends". In the midst of the insanity of being with two little ones 24/7 I often cling to this hope. Lately it has even begun to become true.





My boys delight in each others presence. When River wakes up from a nap, Jude wants to rush upstairs to see him. He waits impatiently on the floor, patting a spot next to him, while I change River's diaper for me to place River beside him so they can play. In turn, River's face lights up when he sees Jude upon waking up from his nap and twists his little body all around on the change table so he can see him. I love it!





Now, Jude also loves to take away toys that River is playing with (he is learning to wait until River drops it, then he pounces like a cat on the toy River is 'done' with). Sometimes Jude is too rough, or is jealous of things River has (like his baby cereal, or the fact that he now sits in a high chair too). Sometimes their play turns into tears, which is the reality of siblings.







Below is a picture story of what happens more often than not.


River begins to play on his own with a really cool toy.

Jude comes over to join in the fun, River is ecstatic that Jude is playing with him.

Jude starts to take over the toy and shows him how it is really done. River is mostly okay with this development, even if it means his toy is being taken away.

Jude then lays on River in a loving fashion, gently playing while River tries to put any of Jude's available appendages in his mouth.

What is not pictured is when this moment dissolves into tears as Jude lingers too long on River who no longer loves being smooshed by his 25 lb brother who is completely unaware of his crushing power...I think he is unaware anyways.