Brothers and Sisters

I swore forever that Aurora would be our only child. We were perfectly happy with our little family of three and I'm not a big fan of the baby stage anyway. Plus she was in school part time and she had friends to play with. But as the months went by and I watched her grow and play at home I started to feel like she could benefit from having a buddy around. And I figured, if we were going to give her a brother or sister, the closer together they were the better. Thus came Alex, born when Aurora was 2 1/2. I'm not going to lie, it was a rough first year! Aurora wasn't too sure about this new baby in the family, everyone was sick a lot, and Alex had a lot of health problems. But now they are really starting to form a relationship and it is so much fun to watch. Of course not a day goes by that I'm not saying, "Leave your brother (or sister) alone!" "Don't talk to him like that!" "You have to take turns." "We need to share." "It's not your job to correct him." "Stop yelling!" But the rest of the time is so sweet to watch...the hugs and kisses,
the playing picnic or house together, or chasing each other around the house. Playing with the animals together, Aurora teaching Alex how to do things or say things, and getting so excited when he learns something. Alex has taught Aurora humility (she can't always be the center of the world), patience, and sharing. Aurora has taught Alex games, words, activities, and sharing as well. I look forward to continuing to watch them grow and see how their relationship changes and what they continue to learn from each other. I have a younger brother that unfortunately, I am not close to. In fact, I remember when I was pregnant with Alex and found out he was a boy - my first thought was, "Oh no Aurora is going to have to deal with a little brother!" But I really hope that I can help Aurora and Alex form a close bond that will last them all their lives!