Tenderhearted

Sometime ago, the little girl went on an excursion and that left the littlest boy with me and a whole day to ourselves. There was no fetching, no rushing around, just the house with all its toys and books.

The day went on as usual until somewhere around the time where we were supposed to fetch his sister.

'Where's JieJie? I want her to come home', he blinked at me innocently.

'She's not coming back today, her teachers brought her out.'

With that, he went about his usual business, pottering around the house, pushing his Thomas train around and pulling books out of the shelves. I thought he was pleased with having mummy all to himself. I myself was rather glad that I managed to pull off some learning with just us - most of our home learning are simplified lessons from his sister's. We also played with trains, read some books and picked up ALOT of toys. Total mummy time!

Recently, I conceded to a friend that there really is no fairness when it comes to having more than one child; in the sense that there is no way of making up for the years of undivided attention that #1 gets for.. well, being #1. With that, I decided that fairness was not as important as observing each child and giving them what they actually need based on their character and temperament (bearing that we have fulfilled their physical needs).

Anyway, back to my littlest boy. Not long after, he began to look aimless and started rolling around the floor, a sign of boredom. I should give him credit for trying to pick himself up, because after that, he attempted different activities, but most of them with one arm supporting his head, much like a bored youngster in class.

And it dawned upon me. Momma isn't as fun as his sister! This little boy missed his sister. The one who orders him around, who tells on him (I confess that I use this trait as a method on keeping tabs on him too) and who squabbles with him on a daily basis. Perhaps these things aren't as significant as the times where they squeal around the house playing tag, or cook up a storm in their kitchen, or pretend to wash the clothes and make a mighty mess of the toilet. Or maybe it is both the fun and the fights that make everything, well, more fun.

I think it's both. I think it's the fact that they have a companion in each other. Never mind that not long ago, one couldn't speak much and the other just started speaking in full sentences. Never mind that they don't always play with each other as much as they do alongside each other. And never mind the fact that often times, they both fight for the same toy and end up being punished with no toys at all. It's just having each other that matters, and they got it right at their very young age.

The two of them always amaze me. Not only by the mess they can garner, or the speed at which they can pull out their toys and books. But mostly, by how tender and soft they are. Their hearts are so ready to give and receive, without fearing that there's not enough left for them. Children are really special, and there's so much to learn from them. I can't wait to see how they interact with the new baby :)