When Isaac arrived on the scene, his big brother was more or less nonplussed. He didn’t really freak out, but it was clear he wasn’t super hot on the idea either. There may have even been an occasion or two where he wanted “baby Isaac to go back in Mommy’s tummy.” (Yeah, that ain’t happening kid).As Isaac got older and more mobile Joel seemed somewhat more tolerant of him, that was until Isaac got it in his mind to play with one of Joel’s favorite (and by favorite I mean anything within visual range) toys, at which point the usual reaction was “NOOOOO BABY ISAAAAAC!!!” or something similar.

I suppose that’s pretty normal for an oldest child who’s had his or her world split open by the introduction of a sibling, however I have to admit I’ve been finding it a bit unnerving. The little voice in the back of my head starts chattering away, “What if they never get along?” “What if they never develop a positive relationship, and our family is marred by their rivalry forever?” “WHAT HAVE WE DONE?!?”

Happily there have been, in recent weeks, a few fleeting moments where the boys actually have been playing together and, as far as we can tell, enjoying it. I sure get a kick out of listening to them laugh (while remaining poised to intervene when the inevitable CRASH – BANG – WAAAAA starts).

I mean honestly… would you trust these two alone in a room for very long?

Me neither.

Posted from benaar’s posterous