Brothers

We rearranged the beds last weekend, and unwittingly opened a new chapter in Liam and Timothy's relationship. Liam is in a loft, and Timothy is in a toddler bed (i.e. his crib with sides removed) underneath. Now every night, after books and prayers and songs and snuggles, Will and I say good night...and the boys stay up for another hour talking and giggling.

They help each other out - Liam demonstrating how to use the toilet, or putting on TJ's boots, and Timothy bringing Liam's Special Animal for comfort when he's upset.  They also compete with each other, a little, for parental attention, and in Liam's case for the largest piece of dessert.

Yesterday Grandpa Bill picked up Liam from preschool and took him out for lunch, while Timothy was at daycare.  When they got back to Jean's, TJ was jealous.  So today, while Liam was at preschool, Grandpa took the little brother for an outing.  Liam didn't even figure it out until we got home, and TJ was missing.  Then he turned on the waterworks and accused ME of being unfair, how could I allow Grandpa to take Timothy out without him, etc.  Grandpa was absolved from all favoritism, and rightly so.  But I was in the doghouse.

Liam and I ended up having a great time together, pretending I was a witch and he was my evil kitten.  We made sinister plans, devised devious schemes, baked Poison Muffins.  When we were finished laughing maniacally, we planted seeds in a matrix of peat pots, and Liam carefully labeled each row in block caps: TOMATO, LETTUCE, BASIL.  And when Timothy and Grandpa showed up, there was an altogether joyful reunion, and no hard feelings toward Little Brother.

Tonight, once again, there was a riot at bed time.  Both kids had to go "up top" as they call the loft.  They snuggled and squirmed and giggled.  Timothy said, "I wuff Wiam, so much!"  I eventually got each boy tucked into his own bed, and shut off the light.  But I think I can still hear them up there.