The Importance of Sibs

As I watch our two boys play together more and more frequently (and yes, sometimes fight), I realize how very important sibling relationships are. I love seeing how the boys connect and respond to each other even at such young ages.

Aiden is constantly copying everything Asher does, trying to be just like his big brother; Asher steps in a lot of times when Aiden's about to get scolded for something and says, "He's sorry, Mommy. He didn't mean to." It's one of my favorite things about having multiple children.

I grew up in a big family. I'm the second oldest of 6 - I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers, and I absolutely love family get-togethers. My favorite thing is when everyone is at my parents' house - and with five (going on six) grandkids plus significant others, it's definitely a full house!

As we've gotten older, we've definitely become closer as siblings - there comes a time when age really doesn't matter any more. I'm 10 years older than my youngest brother, and while he'll always seem young to me (he's the baby!), I can still hold the same conversations with him as I do with any of the others. I couldn't imagine not having any one of them around. I suppose that's really what prompted me to write this post.

I've watched friends/acquaintances/news stories of people who have loved ones in the army, and I've told my husband for literally years, that while I would be incredibly proud, I'm so glad that neither him nor any of my family is in the military. The added death risk terrifies me. I know it's not a rational thought because any one of us could die at any time, but the thought of them being in a war-zone, or something similar, makes me horribly nervous.

Well, my oldest younger brother, Jon, recently joined the army and leaves for basic training very soon; that's followed by training in his specified area, and then he'll go on tour somewhere. While I'm nervous, and sad that we won't be able to see him very often, I couldn't be more proud of his decision (but I won't lie and say I never tried to talk him out of it . . .). When he talks about being in the army, it's easy to see it's the right thing for him. And remembering him growing up, it's really not surprising that he chose this path. He once told my husband that he knows it's what he wants because when people ask him what he's doing and he tells them he's in the army, he can't help but smile. That's a reassuring feeling for all of us, I think.

No one in our family has ever been too far from home - my family lives the farthest away, and it's a little under three hours! It'll definitely be an adjustment for all of us, but I thank God for all those years we had to strengthen our sibling relationships.

I've always felt a special bond with Jon because I think we're pretty similar - we love reading, are kind of nerdy about it, and neither of us really outgoing. I'll miss him.

This song reminded me of how Jon might be feeling (that's he was "called" to do this), and also how my parents and the rest of the family are feeling about this new adventure. (It's far from perfect, but I hope you don't mind.) I've included the lyrics underneath because sometimes it's hard to hear over the piano . . . Just one of the flaws. With all my crazy pregnancy-emotions going on, I'm just glad I got through it without breaking down in tears! :)

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
Til it was a battle cry
I'll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never
Been this way before
All you can do is try to know
Who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light
You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye
You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
Til they're before your eyes
You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

Mimicry at Its Finest

When we found out I was pregnant with Aiden so soon after having Asher, I immediately started dreaming of the day when they would play together. They do that to some extent now, and it's so much fun to watch! As they were playing outside today, they didn't even seem to care or notice that my husband and I were around. They were completely content playing with each other and entertaining themselves.

What I did not anticipate was how quickly Aiden would start to mimic Asher. And, (probably foolishly) I never considered the idea that Asher would be imitating Aiden. Aiden put mulch in his mouth; Asher put mulch in his mouth. Aiden continuously stands up in the bathtub; Asher continuously stands up in the bathtub. Aiden throws his supper on the floor; Asher throws his supper on the floor . . . Are you beginning to see why this is frustrating?

It was great today when they were copying each other when they were playing outside, but the majority of the time they seem to choose only the other's naughty behaviors to mimic. Like I said, I was fully prepared for Aiden to imitate Asher - younger siblings tend to do that with the older ones. But, for some unknown reason I never thought that the reverse would be true, too! Live and learn, I guess.

I think what makes it more difficult is that Aiden (1 1/2) is still too young to be disciplined effectively because he just doesn't understand. Asher sees that Aiden doesn't get timeouts for his behavior so he assumes it's a game. I have yet to figure out how to get through to Asher that it's not funny. So far, nada. I will persevere. And, if I have any epiphanies or figure out how to handle it . . . Well, I'll let ya know!

I saw this the other day - I think it'd be great to have in a boys' playroom or bedroom. :)

I think that probably goes for moms in general, but it looked pretty cute . . . and accurate!

I hope you all had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!