Odd Partners

Big Brother really had no idea how long it takes a baby to grow up when he wished and hoped for a sibling. He imagined a new best friend that would be into all the same things as him would come into the world already walking and talking. How disappointed he was when after a month his initial excitement of being a Big Brother who was oohing and aahing over the little laundry, funny baby noises and stinky diapers turned in the realization that the baby was still really small and couldn’t do much. All Little Brother could do was cry, eat, poop and sleep. That was not the idea Big Brother had. Now that Little Brother is able to clumsily run after Big Brother and tries so hard to imitate words and actions, the picture Big Brother had in mind is now coming into focus.

The boys are fighting over toys, the TV remote, the last chip and me daily. I laugh mostly because it is Big Brother doing all the complaining. Little Brother really knows how to get Big Brother’s attention. Well, Little Brother knows how to get anyone’s attention. Watching TV instead of talking or playing with him? He’ll go right after that satellite receiver to shut the power off. Hiding the remote from him no longer works. We moved a basket of toys right in front of the receiver to keep him away. He’ll just climb right into the basket and squish his little body in between the TV and the basket to push the basket away. If Little Brother really wants your attention he’ll just climb right into your lap and yell at you, give you a little smack or even a pinch. He is one determined baby, he reminds me of Big Brother when he was a year old.

Big Brother pretty much gets annoyed by Little Brother most of the time except when we are all outside. while playing out in the yard Big Brother thinks it’s hilarious when Little Brother plops himself down in a mud puddle or picks up a clump of dirt like he found priceless treasure. Little Brother is a boys boy. Loves dirt and loves playing trucks with Big Brother. They follow each other around the yard pushing over-sized dump trucks and cars. They go in sand, grass and against my wishes mud. But, since the bathtub is just a door away I let them have their way. Little Brother will swat my hands away or screech at me if I try to help him over the uneven bumps or depressions in our yard. The farther away I am from catching him when he trips or stopping him from sticking his fingers in dirt the happier he is. This is how Big Brother and Little Brother were different at the same age. Big Brother always wanted me close. He’d look behind him frequently to make sure I was right there. He’d always hold my hand if I offered it him. Little Brother is completely the opposite, he wants to be independent and never looks back to see if I am right there. He pretty much hopes I am not behind him.

As we enjoy our playtimes outside more the boys will fight less. Outdoors, Big Brother wants Little Brother to follow him. He wants to show him clovers and sticks. He’ll grab Little Brother by the hand help him around the yard. Little Brother only wants Big Brother to help him up the climber and down the slide. They play pretend store. I doubt Little Brother understands exactly what they are playing, But, all Big Brother needs Little Brother to do is give him a high five as pretend payment for invisible goods. Big Brother has finally begun to allow Little Brother on the trampoline with him. He realized jumping alone was as fun as jumping with his brother even if he is forced to do mini jumps so the baby doesn’t bounce around too much. I am just waiting for the last few wet, muddy puddles so I can sit down while the boys roam around the yard playing. It never fails that Big Brother will insist that I just sit down and how he’ll watch the baby. I’ll act like I’m reading a magazine and watch Big Brother steer Little Brother right for the forbidden mud trap. After Little Brother’s got his butt plopped in the mud then Big Brother will shout to me, “Uh Oh mom, umm the crazy baby is sitting in the mud again.” Then I have to say “Oh no, I guess we have to go get him in the tub again.” Of course both boys laugh hysterically when I say the word again.

Today was a fun day outside. I was out in the morning with the kids when Big brother caught the bus. Little Brother was distracted by the fact that he was outdoors playing instead of being left behind when that school bus pulled away. After a good hour of fresh air we came in the house and Little Brother ate his 2nd breakfast and then took a nap. Usually he fights sleep like it’s painful but after some time outside he almost always goes down without a fight. When Big Brother got off the bus at the end of the day, Little Brother and I were back out waiting for him. I had charged up Big brother’s powerwheels battery so they could ride around. Big Brother loves his truck, He can drive all around the yard with no problem with his monster traction tires. Little Brother loves to be on the passenger side. There are lots of buttons and a radio on the passenger side so Little Brother is a happy camper. Every single time that Big Brother stops the truck, Little Brother will scream in protest so Big Brother will get moving again. It’s funny to watch the smaller brother boss around the bigger brother. They will drive that truck around until the battery dies or it gets dark out. When Big Brother would stop to check something or just stops to ask me a question Little Brother would lean forward and bump his head on the dash. So by the time the three of us decided to go back into the house Little Brother had about four good bumps on his forehead but he didn’t seem to care.

At the end of the day they are my cute little odd partners in muddy crime.