It Takes Two.... or Three?

I heard wails (happy out-of-key wails) coming from the family room so wandered in to investigate and found these two. 

Rocking out on their microphones on their retro little Fisher Price cassette player (no batteries, these kids do not need further amplification!!). 

Lily and Eli were laughing, squealing and giggling together, extremely pleased with their cacophony. No sweet songs, just droning out words in unison for their own amusement, e.g.

'Iiiiiiiiiiiii Looooooooooooooooooooooooovee Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu'

'Iiiiiiiiiiiii Looooooooooooooooooooooooovee Cheeeeeeeeeeeeese'

And so on...

Eventually morphed into some actual songs, thankfully - such a cheeky noisy duo!

You can almost hear them through the computer screen, can't you?!

The look of sibling love...

These two share such a special bond. Best friends, and partners in crime, silliness and various hi-jinks. First port of call for fun, games, consoling cuddles, tickles and imaginary play. I get emotional just looking back through this blog at all the amazing little moments shared between them over this past year. What a friendship has developed... the devotion they share is simply heartwarming.

I can't help but be thinking lately what it will be like when a third is introduced into their mix. I admit I feel just a little sad at the upcoming change in their bond and dynamic - even though I know change is good and another sibling to love is a blessing. It's a bit like when first time mothers get nervous about introducing a second child and wonder if they could love that second as much as the first and feel wary of how it will change the relationship they already have... Funnily enough, I never really did feel that when expecting Eli - I knew I could love that second child just fine (and indeed my heart expanded accordingly) and strongly believe in the benefit of siblings so didn't grieve the time shared. Yet this time I feel a little nervous about what it will be like for them when they don't only have each other as friend and ally and playmate... does that make sense? Like, will the increased relationship options dissolve a little of their bond with each other?

These two have such an established bond it is strange to think of how it might change with a third. Two against one? Boys against girl? Who knows. I know there is no accounting for personalities, that the dynamics between the three will ebb and flow as they age - but have been reassured by parents of 3+ kids that watching the multiple relationship dynamics form between three or more kids is a wonderful thing - more complex, yes, but richer. And I will work just as hard to build, cherish, treasure and train these three in strong sibling relationships, nurturing their bond as a trio just as I have between Lily and Eli.

Believing in the principle, blessing and benefit of growing up with multiple siblings, (although it is hard to believe right now in any bond more precious than what Lily and Eli have), I know that there will be beautiful adventures to be had, character-building challenges to overcome, and a childhood (and beyond) of memories, fun and a shared life to live with this upcoming Band of Three. Building on the powerful connection already established between these two little friends.... well, that can only be a good thing, right?!

Can anyone else relate? (Or is it just me?!) Got experiences to share? Please do!