Sibling love

There's always going to be sibling rivalry, but what I cherished most was the sibling love.

My brother and I were very close growing up.  With our parents divorced since I was 7, we were each other's constant as we moved from mom's house to dad's and back every 6 months. More than that, I knew that my older brother, my hero, had my back.  And even though he made me work for it to play with his friends and him, he was my best friend and biggest fan.

That’s why it’s so great when I look at my sons face and know he thinks the same about his sister. He could not love or look-up to his older sister any more than he does.  He longs for her to watch him, listen to him, play with him...show him any kind of attention really. When the love is mutual, it is beautiful and warms my heart. And Skye loves to make everything better for her brother. It is top 5 on my list of goals as a parent, fostering this sibling love. But I also realize that the status of their relationship is mostly up to them.

At its best, it's such a joy...I hope it continues to grow.

Life in one bedroom!

I LOVE traveling with my kids. I don't love all the luggage and carry-on's and car seats but I love that they get to experience life in different parts of the world. Our most recent adventure was to Whistler, BC for the Olympic Games. We were there from Feb 7th-Mar 1st. We all shared a room. Or to be more specific, my hubby and I slept on an air mattress out in the front room and our kids shared the one and only bedroom. My daughter slept in the bed and my son slept in his pac-n-play (with the the crib tent attached). We didn't have any other choice and therefore they had to sleep together. They would chit chat a bit in the beginning and then as the days turned into weeks, they began to simply love the fact they were not alone. They did the same thing when we went to NYC back in November. Although, this time, they came home wanting to share a room. They became accustomed to the others' company and felt lonely without it. It was so cute and touching and so I started to think about putting them both in the same room in our house. I spoke to my hubby about it and he felt the same way. If they want to share a room, they absolutely should. We LOVED the idea. Until....they decided to play a little too much. We haven't been home too long and we have tried it a few times but they both seem to chat a little too much for a scheduled life. While we were away, they could sleep in as late as they wanted. But at home, they need to go to bed at a decent hour so they can get up for school and other activities. I am so torn right now cause I love the idea of them being so close and such good pals. I love everything about them sharing a room and telling their little secrets at night but I don't love them giggling until 11pm...that isn't so fun for anyone the next day. Maybe I will pose the question again. If only I could video the discussion...imagine, a 2 year old, 3 year old and a mommy trying to determine if sharing a room is a good idea. Somehow I think the convo will turn to pirate's booty, apple juice and Shrek!

Sharing a room brings siblings together.

When we go on vacation, my kids share a room. My son is usually in a pac-n-play and my daughter is usually in a bed. We try to read to both of them together and then put them together at the same time. When we do this, I think it comforts them both knowing that they are not alone.

In fact, they become quite chatty when we put them down for a nap or bedtime. My son can't really put sentences together but somehow they carry on quite the conversation. On and on they giggle and chat and giggle and chat. They will do this, sometimes for up to 40 minutes. We go in there often to remind them that they need to close their eyes and go to sleep but deep in my heart, I think it is adorable.

I always notice a change in their relationship after they bunk together. They bond and their friendship grows deeper. I think part of the reason is because they get their own personal time together where they can do things that mommy and daddy can't see. It is as if they are compiling their "inside jokes". And I think that is so cute.

It is touching to watch them grow as brother and sister. I love traveling with my kids so they are put in situations where they have to adapt. I believe it teaches them so much about patience and helps them become well-rounded kids. But knowing that they are becoming closer as siblings is what makes our trips together so special.

My kids and their budding friendship

I have to say, my kids are at a very fun age. There are times when it is super challenging but they just seem to be turning the corner in the friendship stage. It is adorable. The other day, I watched them walk into the zoo holding hands. It was the only way I could get my son to walk safely through the parking lot. After I asked him to hold my own hand without success, I asked him to hold Skye's and he jumped at the chance. It was like his face lit up at the incredible opportunity and Skye's face lit up because all she wants to do is mommy him. She is so very sweet to him and talks to him with this cute little caring voice.

She even tries to scrunch down a bit when they chat even though she is only a bit taller than him. She tries to ask him questions and give him instructions and they are beginning to carry on a few scattered conversations. They are also beginning to play together on their own and have a blast. It warms my heart to see so much love in their relationship. I had always hoped my kids would have a strong friendship.

My brother and I were super close growing up. He is 2 1/2 years older than me and we did everything together. Or, at least, I would try to do everything he was doing. Often times, if I wanted to play with him and his friends they would give me the worst job..like playing catcher and shagging balls. As we grew older, we would hang out a ton. He was one of my best friends.

I think that it is important for siblings to have strong healthy relationships. It builds their confidence to know they always have someone watching their back. Someone who gets them and will laugh with them. And, it makes life at home awesome.

I know I cannot control every twist and turn in my kids relationship. I am sure they will fight a ton and have their moments of total frustration with one another. But I hope that through family vacations, family dinners and other random family time my hubby and I can help secure a super strong bond between our kids.

For now, I will soak up the sweet moments of the them chasing each other around the kitchen while laughing hysterically, playing sweetly with their toys or simply and proudly holding hands. This is a great time in my life.