Brotherly Love

Sometimes I find myself getting frustrated because Kirby won't keep his little paws off his sister, or he won't just mind his own business. Even since she was really really little, he has been interested in her every move and shows signs of being a terrific, protective big brother. 

Today she was kicking and playing on the floor under her little play gym. He was in the living room playing with Big Percy (go figure, right?). I was washing dishes (of course).  She showed the earliest signs of distress, and he came running around the corner to her aid before I could get my hands dried off. He laid next to her and started talking to her and gave her kisses. I can't get over his compassion, care, and concern for his little sister. 

When he wakes up in the morning or from his naps, the first thing he does is ask where she is. "When she cries, then we get her."  When she does cry, I sometimes have to battle him to not run up and get her immediately. I've tried to explain that sometimes a baby cries a little before falling asleep or in the middle of her sleep. (What am I doing trying to reason with a two year old? Haha). He doesn't buy it and gets very sad, asking me, "mom, don't you want to get the baby?"  Oh. 

He loves to give her her paci or rattle.  And he repeats all the little things he sees us do to try and elicit a giggle from her. I find him in front of her saying all sorts of things from "zaboooo!!!!" to "aaaaaa-gooooo!" and even fake sneezing, which she thinks is really funny.  And he loves when she gives him that sweet giggle. "Mom, is she laughing at me?"

And oh my goodness. I better not let her cry..."mom, we got to get her. She wants her paci. Make it better.  The baby's crying."  

And do not put her down for bed or nap without him giving her kisses. We have had total and utter meltdowns over "one yast goodnight kiss". 

Tonight Keith got home kinda earlier than usual. I had to run some errands so I left him with the kids and a bottle and directions to put the finishing touches on dinner. When I got home, he was feeding Susanna Rose, and Kirby was wanting to help. I probably would have gotten frustrated with him and told him no, but Keith pulled him up in his lap and let him give a hand. What a happy boy. 

I often find myself complaining about how hard being at home with the two kiddies this young is, and I forget what amazing children God has blessed me with.  Shame on me!!!!  In those moments I am guilty of just focusing on myself - how tired I am or how I can't watch another episode of thomas or clean up after another meal or say Nnnnnnooooooo one more time. I'm not thinking about my kids when I complain. I need to remember just what a gift they truly are. And when I am down and thinking how hard it is, I need to remember this picture. This is what it is all about!!  This is why you have other babies. I love watching my older child care for and love on his little sister.  They hopefully will have each other and love each other for the rest of their lives. Susanna Rose, sweetie, I pity the fool who first tries to mess with you. He have Kirby to answer to!!!!