Siblings

Siblings. They are a mystery to me. I am an only child. My sister-in-law Michelle often remarks to me that it's really not fair to me, that I, as an only child, have three children of my own. I have no reference point for this dynamic that my children are. Even my husband has a difficult time with it. Although he has one brother, Chris is almost six years older, so they didn't have the dynamics that our children do. I have two beautiful cousins that I've always considered close to sisters, but we didn't have this sibling dynamic either. I'm learning, OH how I'm learning many things about siblings. Here are some of my observations from today...

They fight for fun, or out of boredom. Constantly. Even Austin, as little as he is, takes unbridled joy in snatching his sisters things and running as fast as his feet will go in the opposite direction.

They are loud. The noise is about to drive me insane. Constant yelling, shouting, screaming, talking, fighting, playing, singing, bossing.

They cannot leave each other alone. We separate them, they are together within moments. We find different activities for each of them, they want to do the same thing. They constantly bicker and pick at each other. I'm beginning to realize that they do this for fun sometimes, but it still drives me crazy!

They are very competitive. They always want our attention, and get furious if we can't give it to them because we're working with their sister/brother.

We've had a lot of "togetherness" today. A lot of time inside the house with not much to do. I have tried to entertain them all day, but I am tired. My patience is fading fast. Only two more hours until bedtime, Hallelujah!

As hard as it is to parent these siblings that are my children, I know it will be worth it someday. Someday they'll have each other as friends and confidants. Someday they'll bond over their mutual frustration about their crazy parents. This is something I don't have. I didn't ever miss it, not until now.

And most of all, someday they'll have children of their own. Children that will fight and scream and cry at their siblings. And I, I will sit back and smile and say Now you know what you put me through all those years!

I cannot wait!