The joys of siblings

When my youngest was born, my oldest was only 12 months. Certainly not old enough to have any real outrage towards his new sibling taking over some of the attention; at least I didn't think so. I think having that formed opinion that things WOULD go well has payed off, to be honest. We were asked many a time, "SO.... (I could hear the cackle in their heads) how has Morgan (the oldest) adjusted to a new brother?" and we were always happy to reply, "great!". He really has done great! We've made every effort, very intentionally, to refrain from correcting any negative behavior he does exhibit towards his brother, in a negative way. So if he's being rough (read hitting) we will say, "Morgan, use gentle touches on Landon (the youngest)" instead of just saying, "no, don't hit". Then, we'd show him HOW to touch him gently. Not that I'm against the -n- word, I think you HAVE to use it sometimes. But I also believe the less we associated anything negative with his brother, the better off things would go.

We're now 5 months into it. Things are going so well! Morgan dotes on Landon. He brings him toys, snuggles his head in his lap, ask for him in the mornings if he's not in his crib (they share a room and it looks like I have twins because we have two cribs in there) and he reaches for him when we're holding him. If Landon is laying down on the ground, Morgan will more often than not join him. If Landon is in the Johny Jump Up, Morgan will stand by him for 20 minutes straight just patting his head. How is that for attention span for a 17 month old! All for the L-O-V-E of Landon. The latest skill Morgan has learned is how to blow kisses and who do you think gets the majority of blown kisses? Why Landon of course.

This is not to say my child is perfect. Of course we always have to monitor them together, and step in from time to time when Morgan is being too rough. Like yesterday morning when Morgan tried to sit on Landon and ride him like his rocking horse while saying, "neigh Lada, neigh". Lada is what Morgan has taken to calling Landon, and has fondly became his family nick name as well.

At any rate. Morgan is teaching me that I may have more control over my child's sibling rivalry than I'd thought. Morgan has taught me how important it is to always demonstrate what I expect of my children. And damn it, that even means I have to stop swearing (yes, you can laugh Kristen!). Mostly, Morgan and Landon have already shown me that having them so close together is something they're really enjoying, which gives me great pleasure and satisfaction as a parent.

I reserve the right to eat my own words as they get older, by the way! But am hoping I don't have to.