This evening I was playing with my two boys and they had the sweetest moment! Elias was putting together some dinosaur puzzles. Simon and I were sitting and watching him. I was giving Elias encouragement and praise, and explaining to Simon what Elias was doing. When Elias was on the third puzzle or so, I looked down to find Simon giving one of his big ol’ smiles. Gums showing, eyes lit up…his whole body into it…..and he was looking directly at his big brother. I looked at Elias because I didn’t want him to miss it. I was going to point out to him that Simon was smiling at him. But when I looked up, Elias was looking right at Simon already….and giving a big ol’ smile right back.
I wished that it could have been one of those cheesy movie scenes where they crank up the music and slow time waaaaaaay down so that you can even see the dust particles suspended in the air. It was such a joy filled time. Both boys smiling at each other with genuine love and happiness in their eyes…..I don’t know what more I could ask for.
Don’t worry, though. There’s some brotherly rivalry there as well. A few minutes later when we were preparing for baths, I was having Elias choose his and Simon’s towel and washcloths. Elias picked out the towels, and then I told him to choose two washcloths for Simon. He did. Then instead of choosing one for himself as he has done for as long as he can remember, Elias said, “I need threeeeeeee of them,” and proceeded to pick out three for himself.
I’m just so relieved and joyful that Elias is really starting to not only accept his baby brother, but also enjoy him as well.