If you are a sibling yourself you will know what it feels like to have a brother or sister, good or bad it can’t be denied that siblings share a special bond through their shared childhoods. Arch enemies or best friends brothers and sisters are (usually) there through thick and thin.
I was inspired to write this post after recently seeing through tweeting and blogging how a lot of ladies pregnant with their second child are looking forward to seeing their children together. Two pregnant ladies I know, Lucy from Dear Beautiful Boy and Katie from Mummy Daddy and Me Makes Three have been talking a bit about it lately.
I too felt exactly the same during my pregnancy with Baby Beastie. As I found out at the 5 month scan that we were having a second boy, I had visions of the best friends they would one day become. One factor that I always thought might play a part in their relationship together was the length of the age gap. I had never entertained having a second child any closer than the 3 years that is between them but I was also aware of the gap stretching too far.
There are over 7 years between my elder sister and I and now we are older the gap has closed considerably. I would say that when growing up the years between us seemed vast at times and yet at other times it worked in our favour. As my big sister she looked after me really well and I have fond memories of her teaching me to read the time, ride a bike, playing with barbies and putting up with me creeping into her bed at night when scared (far too often). Then the not so fond memories of her being mean and telling me I had been adopted, mail order discount cialis playing with her friends in the street whilst I sobbed at my bedroom window (my bedtime not hers) and being dressed up like a doll to name but a few. Then I discovered there were extra bonuses to having an older sister when I started to visit pubs and clubs, of course at the legal age *cough*. My sister has always had a natural way with children and it’s lovely to see her now with her nephews. They get to share her imagination like I did.
The relationship that I can see developing between my sons is simply amazing to watch. From the moment that we brought Baby Beastie home from the hospital and his big brother opened his arms to tentatively hold him for a few moments, I knew that special bond had begun. I am so incredibly proud of how Beastie has coped with his arrival and how he has learnt to share his time with me. It’s not been without some traumas and tantrums but he has never displayed any resentment towards him, which was my main worry. The way that they interact with each other is incredible and I can see how much older siblings bring on younger siblings. Beastie is always concerned when his brother is crying and tries to help by suggesting what the problem could be. He’s so very caring and he has such a calming effect on Baby Beastie (most of the time).
What we don’t know is how our children are going to get along together, through childhood and beyond but you can only hope that they will be close and look out for each other. Most of all I want them to love and care about each other, even though they will no doubt squabble most of the time but that’s what it’s all about. Sibling Love.
Pictures of siblings together make me turn into a ball of mush at the moment, so the pictures of your gorgeous boys and of you and your sister have made me feel all warm and fuzzy. I have to confess that even though I was already quite broody, a brother or sister for the little man was one of our big deciding factors to try when we did and to have baby number 2 at all. Both the hubby and I have grown up with younger siblings and only having one was never a consideration. The chances of the little guy having cousins any time in the near future is highly unlikely and and even if he did they wouldn’t live nearby, and some of my best childhood memories involve me playing with my brother, so we really wanted to give the little guy that gift. I love that he won’t remember a time without them, and obviously they will never have known any different. Even when they fight and squabble I think it will be lovely to know that they’ll always have each other. X
I wonder how that affects you? as my husband and I were the younger siblings! We are the same we weren’t sure if there would ever be any cousins and we didn’t want Beastie to be an only child x
Hehe. That’s funny. I wonder whether you’ll always have an affinity with baby beastie because you’ll see things from his perspective. My dad and I are really close (both first borns) and growing up my mum and brother were always really close (both second borns). Whenever there was a row, they always sided that way. Weird!
And I’m sure that psychologically it must say something that we have both married husbands who are the same place in the birth order as us. Maybe you understand each other better that way. Who knows, but it’s spooky! X
I just read out your message to my husband and he said he had never thought of it before. We will never know what it is like for Beastie being the first born! the same for you and your husband with the new addition. Interesting concept isn’t it! x
just reading through yours & Lucy’s comments leaves me wondering if I’ve screwed things up totally…..both of my parents were 1st borns (of 2) & so is my husband (also of 2)…..and I’m a second born (of 2) …..oh dear what hope do we have, especially as we’ve gone & messed it up more by having 3! haha
x
I love the photos & video & can’t wait to have a big cuddle with Baby Beastie…& of course Beastie & Mummy & Daddy Beastie too!
I remember Sam being so caring of Hanna when she was born…..oh how things have changed!
x
It’s good Helen as there is one of each but then neither one of you knows what it’s like to be the ‘middle’ child! I can now see how the caring turns to teasing! x
I love all the photos Hannah, they are just so adorable and the video of Baby Beastie smiling at Beastie is just so lovely- I bet he grows up adoring him, it looks like he already does.
I think giving the gift of a sibling is so lovely to experience- there are 10 years between me and my sister but I still can remember every part of her childhood- I adored her and still do now even though she winds me up constantly. It may not always be plain sailing but lets hope they are always close- if my babies are like that then that is all I could ask for.
x
Thanks Katie, Baby Beastie is just so expressive when around Beastie it’s so cute. I’m always like ‘look look!’ to A! It’s horrible the thought of not having a brother or sister isn’t it when that’s all you have known x