Happy Days
Having two kids so close in age has a lot of pros and cons to it. In the very beginning when we brought Gracie home, we went through a really nice little honeymoon phase with the kids. Gracie didn’t do much as a newborn, and Bean was still really excited to have a new person in the house. When Gracie was around six months old, the sheen started to wear off and as she became more mobile and needy, Bean became less than impressed. He never acted out towards her, but he certainly made his presence known. He reminded us often that he needed attention, too. When Gracie finally started crawling and moving, Bean wasn’t sure what the heck to do. He is meticulous with his toys, always focusing on lining them up, sorting them, putting them in piles, collecting hidden treasures. And then Gracie would come along and with one swipe of her hand, she’d send his orderly little world into a spin.
Bean started to speak very harshly to Gracie, snapping at her or yelling at her when she got in his way. We worked with him on how to speak nicely to Gracie and how to distract her when she starts to mess with his things. And, we worked a LOT with sharing. At the same time, we had to start redirecting Gracie and telling her no sometimes. This did not go over well with Gracie. The past probably two weeks have tested all of our patience, as we learn to live with two kids who are so close in age, and yet worlds apart.
But then today happened. All day, for the first time ever, Bean and Gracie played together. And not just sitting next to each other playing. They were interacting with each other and laughing at each other and sharing things – and all of this without any interference from me or Chris. Bean started crawling around on the floor chasing Gracie, who thought it was the greatest game in the whole world. She laughed so hard that she would have to stop and lay down in the middle of the floor just to catch her breathe. And it was like that all day.
Bean built a fort with some pillows and the ottoman, and he somehow convinced Gracie to crawl inside and sit really still. For, like, a LONG time. Then he ran around outside the fort, yelling like a pirate. He kept calling her a scallywag and she thought it was the most fun ever.
I’m sure the challenges of having two kids so close in age are not over, but getting just a glimpse of what life would be like in the next couple years today made my heart swell with love and appreciation for my babies. I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes.
11 Comments
Lee Ann
Love that Big Molly is just ignoring all the goings-on behind her!
Kat
These photos (and post) make me want to be preggers like NOW so Peanut can have a little buddy. I love how they interact together – seriously, they’re going to be BFFs.
Ashley @ A Recipe for Sanity
How cute! I laughed about the scalawag thing…so funny. They are adorable.
Mindee@ourfrontdoor
You are making me cry! Sooooo many memories this is dredging up. The ups and downs will continue, but all in all I would have mine that close again. It’s the best.
Right up until you have to teach them to drive back to back.
Lisa
This brings back so many memories of my childhood. I’m the oldest of 6 kids, 3 boys, 3 girls. They’ll always be the best of friends.
Donolyn
My son and daughter are the exact ages as bean & Gracie and I am having the most difficult time with my son! My daughter (gracie’s age) loves my son so so much and wants to be around him but he has started acting out towards her by pulling her little hair or yelling “NO” loudly at her (etc…) and I have no idea how to handle it! We have sat in time out more this week then I care to admit! Your babies are just so sweet together, sure makes me miss mine being so loving!
Grandma
I remember you lining upyour toys in a neat row and ,. . . . along comes Ginny! Wham – things go everywhere. Did you yell!!! So, Bean get this trait naturally.
Rebecca @ The Reluctat Housewife
I’m telling you… kids close together in age is wonderful. Growing up my sister was my absolute best friend… and still is to this day. We’re 18 months apart.
Chelsea
Your kids are so precious!!!!
HeatherM
Save this post and keep it handy, do that the next time you have a day like Ash Wednesday, you can remember it gets better, and there are always good days after the bad days.
Amber@ClassyConfessions
I love how the first time Bean jumps on Gracie he looks up like, “Hm, am I going to get in trouble for that one?”