sibling thrivalry

Don't judge the title, but I stole it from an actual class offered here in Portland. I mentioned in my previous post how pleasantly surprised I've been with how Henry has done the transition to having a new brother. I really was prepared for the worst. I imagined complete and total regression for sleep, potty training and just general acting out as well. So far, Henry has continued to use the potty consistently and really only needs diapers while sleeping and for #2. He still sleeps in his own bed most of all of the night. And though there was some behavior challenges, it was not as bad as I had imagined (doing social work with kids and adolescents for years can plant some crazy ideas). 

Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been all sunshine and roses. For a while there, I was defending myself and Leo from Henry's fierceness and the occasional wack with a (plastic) golf club (usually directed at me). And we had be more thoughtful and intentional about implementing time outs or "taking breaks" and other natural consequences for his behavior. And I still think I have a little ptsd from feeling like I had to constantly protect Leo from Henry's sometime incessant desire to "westle" with him. 

All of that aside, what has been truly remarkable has been watching Henry and Leo's relationship grow. If Leo isn't in the room, Henry quickly notices and says,"where's wee-o?" (L's are still hard to prounce). Henry loves to give him hugs, kisses and tickles. Leo loves to watch his brother playing and you can see how much he is learning from him. And he giggles loudest and longest when his brother is being silly with him. 

Having a second baby, I knew I would love him dearly and treasure him. What I didn't realize was how much I would love watching these boys fall in love with each other. Just as Henry made me a mama and I never truly understood what that meant until I held him in arms for the first time, Leo has made Henry a brother, and thus a another new roll and new opportunity to love has been provided. I really hope to continue to be witness to watching their relationship change and evolve over time! I'm sure it won't always be smooth sailing, but with this first 6 months I'm feeling optimistic for the family ties we are creating.