First a Brother, Now a Friend

Cole and Jay are becoming great buddies. Each boy now calls the other his best friend and when they are apart, they really miss each other.

Last week, I went with Cole's class to the aquarium, while Rob took Jay to Gymboree. The entire ride home, Cole wondered what Jay was doing and whether he was home already. I asked if he missed Jay, and without hesitation, he replied, "Yes!"

It is the same with Jay. When we pick Cole up from school, Jay pushes his way through the sea of parents and rushes to him. They give each other a big hug that often winds up as a tackle. It's clear they are happy to see each other again. Poor Jay is going to be a bit lost when Cole starts full-day kindergarten in the fall.

Of course, the flip side is that they also annoy, tease, torment, and compete with each other. Their fights can be vicious brawls with punches, bloodshed, and hurt feelings. But we always make them apologize and hug, and before long, they are back to playing again. I found a quote from Dylan Thomas that describes this exact relationship: "I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea."

Rob and I long ago agreed that our first child would be followed by a second. We believe kids need siblings, and we are thrilled with the way it is turning out. Every day, I see them teaching each other fairness, cooperation, graciousness, and the golden rule of do unto others what you would have them do unto you. We couldn't ask for more.

Cole and Jay will always be brothers. I hope they will also always be friends.

The Ballad of Old Crust and Poopy Head

I knew this day would come. Every mother of older boys had warned me.

Cole and Jay have begun to play with pretend guns. Since we don't have any toys resembling guns, they made theirs out of Legos.

After explaining that real guns are serious and can hurt people very badly when used the wrong way, I eavesdropped on their play.

After firing a hail of Legos at each other, Cole decided there should be good guys and bad guys. And, since he and Jay were good guys, they needed names.

"My name is Old Crust," said Cole. "Jay, what is your name going to be?"

"Ummm," said Jay, thinking hard. "Poopy Head!"

So, Old Crust and his trusty sidekick Poopy Head galloped around the house, shooting Legos at all the bad guys.

We all slept well knowing that they had kept our little corner of the world safe and secure for another day.

May Old Crust and Poopy Head ride again!