Sweet Older Brother

Generally at bedtime we get both boys in pajamas, brush teeth, read stories (my husband usually reads to Sam, and I usually read to James, but sometimes we swap), Sam is given kisses goodnight, and my husband tucks him into his crib while I continue James' stories.  When it is time for Sam to go to sleep, we always ask James if he wants to give Sam a kiss goodnight.  Most of the time James answers with a no, but every once in awhile he will happily give kisses to his brother.  The other night while I was at the cake decorating class, James was eager to give Sam a kiss goodnight.  My husband thought it was so sweet.  Part of me wonders if James gave a kiss so willingly because I was not there to give a kiss goodnight, because he wanted to keep the routine more normal, or if it is simply because he loves his brother and felt like showing him some affection.

James is a very sweet older brother when he wants to be.  He will play with Sam, show him how to do new things...like throwing rocks into puddles, try to make him laugh or smile when Sam is feeling sad, and many other things as well.  These moments are growing into longer stretches of time.  The brotherly bond is forming and shaping into a lifelong friendship, or so I hope.  : ) 

Of course they still have their moments...where James is a little too rough or purposefully makes Sam upset, but we deal with that situation and move forward.  Sam, also, seems to purposefully do things to annoy James sometimes too...for example, grabbing James' most favorite teddy bear or James' sippy cup and talking past James while holding it.  These moments will continue throughout their lifetime because that is just the way it is with siblings.  However, as Sam gets a bit older, he will be able to stand up for himself more, and they should be more equally balanced in their play together.  As the parents, we won't have to step in quite as often once Sam can hold his own, so to speak. 

For those of you who think it is abnormal for siblings to fight with each other or purposefully annoy one another, you must be an only child.  That would be my only fair guess.  I grew up with two brothers, and I expect more of the rough housing and sibling rivalry between our boys as they grow together.  It is perfectly normal.