Sibling Bonding

Twice today Hazel requested the pleasure of holding Jack herself. I haven't suggested this in a couple of months, due to a complete lack of interest, and I didn't want to pressure her or push her away from him. Today she snuggled him and let him hold her fingers and bring them up to his mouth. She even tickled his tummy a little bit. (That's what got him grinning in this picture.) It's rewarding to see their relationship start to develop. When Jack's crying in the car, Hazel will say things like, "I know, Jack. I know you're tired. We're almost home." I used to prompt her to say things like that. Now she does it on her own.

When Jack wakes up from a nap, Hazel's often the first one to hear his little squeaks, and she wants to be the first one in the room to greet him. "Hi Jack! Did you have a great nap?" If she's in the room when he wakes up in the morning, she stands on the crib edge and chats with him, leaning down so her face almost touches his.

Jack's been in love with Hazel since the first time his baby eyes focused on her. He chooses to watch her over anyone else in the room, every time. He loves it when she pays attention to him. Now that he's learned how to shriek and laugh, Hazel gets instant rewards for talking to him. It's made her much more interested in getting down on the floor and talking to him, or making sounds at him in the car. She loves that he gives her a big reaction.

I'm so grateful that through all the tough adjustments of having two kids, Hazel's never shown any animosity or jealousy towards Jack. She's always loved him and been soft and sweet with him, although she often prefers just to ignore him. I am crossing my fingers that they will have a tight friendship, play together happily, and take good care of each other.