a little sibling sweetness

I wasn't too surprised to love my children, although of course I was amazed at the very depths of it. But what I have been surprised by is how much I love seeing the relationship between my children grow and develop. I just love seeing them love each other and have been shocked at the joy I have in seeing them together! These two little people made separately by you and now making their own connection!

I am so thankful for their close and affectionate relationship - they simply adore each other and their bond is a beautiful thing to witness! Lily simply dotes on her little brother without an ounce of sibling rivalry and I think that has helped Eli even at 18 months to respond in kind - he happily hands over his apple or toy to share. I think their bond is demonstrated by the time Eli was just a little baby, fussing in his car seat on a drive somewhere. Lily piped up consolingly, 'It's ok, little buddy boy, I believe you!'... !!! They are a team, no doubt, with a connection even I can't understand!




Lily bestowing good night kisses to Eli through the cot bars

 Having grown up in a fairly combative sibling relationship with two sisters (where blood was often drawn!), I have a strong desire to, as much as I can, help my children develop a friendship, to cherish each other, to know how to show appreciation, kindness and compassion to one another. More than that, I kind of see the sibling relationship as a good blueprint and rehearsal space for many of their future relationships... after all, living together will almost inevitably bring conflict and various issues over time. As much as I love their sweetness together, I also want them to know how to resolve conflict together, how to problem-solve, how to ask for forgiveness when they wrong the other, how the wronged one can forgive and show mercy. I feel immensely privileged that I am in a position to give them these tools and life skills even now in these early days as I help them negotiate taking turns pushing the dolls pram! I love being present with them and taking every opportunity to highlight when they show a kindness to their sibling, when they help, when they share, when they love.

I know I will inevitably make mistakes in this task, and I know they will too. I know it is a relationship only they can choose to sustain long term. I am thankful for God's grace in this endeavour and thankful also that in spite of its bumpy start, my own relationship with my siblings now as adults is wonderfully close!

Nothing melts my heart like seeing Eli toddling down the hall to knock on Lily's bedroom door after his sleep, calling out 'KnoKno... YiYi!!!' (translation: knock knock, Lily!). Or when Eli has a fall and Lily rushes to cuddle him, consoling him with her sweet words 'It's ok, little Eli, you're ok, I can help you'. What a pair...they truly make me marvel!