Siblings

It has been quite a road we've traveled since Elliott's birth in fostering the sibling relationship. Addy is sweet to her brother, loving him sometimes to the point of hurting him. She is a proud yet sometimes annoyed big sister to her brother. It can be a challenge to have a little sibling (perhaps this is an understatement being that I am the younger sibling!). There's less hair pulling than before but he still hits, not just with his hands, and so there are tears. But when it comes down to it, in situations outside of our home she looks after him and sticks up for him, which is incredible to witness. And Addy has grown in her patience with him, in her ability to use her words with him, not always, but expecting that would be too much. She gets her share of hits or pushes when she can't muster words. But they seem to have the kind of connection where one look will get them laughing or nodding their heads. Already!

Elliott loves his big sister. He wants to do whatever she is doing. If Addy is wearing boots, Elliott gets his boots. If Addy is changing clothes, Elliott is taking his off to get something new to wear. This can make situations easy if we are trying to get out the door and Addy is motivated to get ready or it can be challenging. Elliott loves being close to his sister and sometimes Addy just needs space. That is hard to explain to a 2 year old. Balancing sharing and playing together with having some time to yourself has been a struggle, but I imagine it is something we will get to keep practicing for a long time!