Sibling Sentiments

Lyla and Max have been quite the pair lately. Lyla is typically in the lead and it's obvious how much Max admires her. He is literally her shadow. They play together really well and can even play independently for 15-20 minutes before they need an adult to redirect their focus. The silence is always a dead giveaway if they are up to no good. I found small mountains of potting soil in every single one of my kitchen cupboards recently. I imagine they had a great time inventing that clever game! 

Lyla seems to understand the "no booming" rule I mentioned in an earlier blog post. Max, however, isn't catching on as quickly. He usually booms [hits] as a response to any time he doesn't get his way. Lyla doesn't react as aggressively any more. I think she understands it hurts people and that's not cool. She is happy to remind her brother of his naughty behavior whenever she deems necessary. And honestly, he knows better by now too. It's just that he is still in the phase of testing his limits as much as possible. At least their discipline platform is beginning to level out. The difference with Max is he gets the quiver lip, cries, and wants to hug when he gets scolded. This is a reaction I never saw from Lyla at that age. It makes me feel victorious in a bad way, perhaps that is his strategy! Ha! He really is so tender hearted. 

1. who me kiss him? 2. okay! 3. yay!

Today Max got in a little trouble. I can't even remember what about now. I do remember that Lyla was on his side though. She looked at me with such a serious expression as she said, "Please mom, just give him one more chance. He won't do it again." She is coming up with the most hilarious comments lately. I don't think Max even realized his sister was so proudly defending him! 

just living a life of luxury.

It's so nice to have Max on one nap per day. It makes our schedule so much easier. Our nap routine now begins with Max helping Lyla into my bed for her nap. This is something Lyla started on her own. She insists Max puts the blanket on and hands her a bottle all by himself. They both find this little exchange to be so hilarious. Then she usually says, "Okay mom, bring him closer for a kiss." Followed by, "Okay good. Now a hug." And then, "That's good enough. You can take him now." Sometimes I feel like saying "YES MASTER! ANYTHING ELSE?" but instead I just smile because I don't want to interfere with the special bond they are creating. Max waves to her and says "niigh niigh" as we leave the room. 

We go to the library for story time each week and I notice Lyla takes extra care of her little brother there too. She will lean in and whisper, "You need to listen, Max." or she helps him feel involved by asking him questions about the story. Oh, and she usually holds his hand too. Her nurturing instinct makes my heart feel so full. It's moments like these that make the daily battles and all the struggles of motherhood totally worth it.