Our two boys are so different. Like night and day. One is an introvert, the other an extrovert. One is shy in new situations, the other outgoing. One proceeds with caution, the other throws caution to the wind! One prefers crust, the other doesn’t. (This sure made sharing buttered bread and toast easier… they always got exactly what they preferred.) =)
But two boys who are so different can mesh so nicely. When Owen was born Ethan had just turned two one month prior. As Owen grew into his toddler years, he and Ethan had so much fun together. Ethan would protect and watch out for Owen. Ethan was happy to help him. Ethan would kiss and hug Owen and enjoyed sharing with him. As Ethan left that toddler and pre-schooler stage we entered a new phase. When two peas in a pod become too many in one pod!
Oh those boys. Man, we’ve been through a few years of intense sibling rivalry. Wow. I grew up with one sister, ten years older. My sister and I rarely fought. While she was still living at home, I looked up to her as a hero. I loved anything she did with me.
Sibling rivalry was foreign to me. To be completely honest it got so bad that there were times I wondered if we’d all make it out alive. And while I say there were times… I don’t totally mean to put this in the past. Thankfully, at this moment in time I would say they are in a good place. It’s not all roses but I would say that my oldest is changing again. He’s coming into a phase of more understanding, more compassion, and more desire to enjoy the times where they mesh. I wish I knew the magic formula that got him to this place, because I’d like to bottle it and pull it out the next time we need it! I know that around some other future corner, we will head back into the war zone. Who knows, next time maybe it will involve the sweet little sister. ;o)
It’s so much more enjoyable when your kids are all getting along. That said, I’d never wish for my kids that they were all the same. I am thankful that God created them each unique. I appreciate how introspective Ethan is. How he thinks things through before he heads into uncertain situations. I appreciate how Ethan’s shy personality has helped him become a respectful, kind student. I love Ethan’s tenacity and motivation to succeed. I have learned to appreciate Ethan’s desire to not always be the one in front. Owen is completely not shy, and I love that about Owen. Owen brings joy just by smiling, it’s contagious. Owen likes to be in the front row at a concert or program and has often been a couple steps forward of that line! I love how Owen desires to use that which he has learned to teach others. May God use this for His glory! And our long awaited Maella, also unlike her brothers with her own unique personality. She’s the tiniest thing but she sure is smart and active! She sings songs and imitates what we do and say. She swims like a superstar. She is determined. And she is just so obviously one of us. She loves her momma and daddy and we so enjoy having her.
We feel truly blessed that God has entrusted us with each one of them, uniquely their own person. We have no doubt that God carefully crafted our family and that each one of us is an important piece of the puzzle. We grow through our experiences with one another.
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