Sisters

Vivi became visibly annoyed with Madeline for the first time last week.  Vivi was sitting up on my lap, concentrating desperately on reaching for a toy Eric was holding.  Just as Vivi was about to get her pudgy hands on that stuffed monkey, Maddie trotted over, pushed her head against Vivi's face, and snatched her little sister's hands in her own.

Vivi turned her head toward Maddie in obvious agitation and kinda head butted her away the best she could.  She also tried to gnaw on her face a bit. She reminded me of a puppy.  This was followed by a loud sigh bordering on a growl.  My baby may be part canine.  

Maddie was too busy singing loudly and rubbing her hair against Vivi (which she thinks is hilarious, but must be annoying as heck) to notice the slight, but Eric and I both caught it.  

We told Maddie to give Vivi some space, and the baby eagerly returned to her toy.  

We remind Madeline to not pull on her sister's hands at least three times a day.  She's trying to show affection, but often, it's anything but gentle.  Luckily, babies are stretchy.

Madeline doesn't seem to care about our warnings. She's usually too busy being indignant over not being allowed to "hold" Vivi's hand.  You can hold it, Maddie Bear.  You can not dislocate her shoulder or twist her elbow off.  

Thankfully, most of the time the two of them are really sweet together.  Vivi can interact with us more now, and sometimes she and Madeline just lie on the floor together to play.  Maddie talks to Vivi and shows her toys.  Vivi babbles back and sucks on her hands as she watches her big sister's every move.   

Vivi was crying yesterday, and Madeline started talking to her in a soothing voice. Vivi stopped fussing and smiled.  

"I calmed her down, Mumma!" Madeline boasted proudly.

Madeline shares all of her toys with Vivi without being asked.  She also assumes Vivi is willing to share her baby toys, which she makes evident by taking away the rattle and blocks for herself.   

The only toy Madeline doesn't have to share with Vivi is Olaf.  We've made it clear that Olaf is special and belongs only to her.  Madeline rubs this in Vivienne's face frequently, but I'm pleased to see her sharing him just as often.

  Vivi has her own little bear, but she really wants Olaf.  She's always reaching for him, and she leaves his nose covered in drool. Typical little sister.  

It's so fun watching the sisterly dynamics develop in front of our eyes.  I'm looking forward to watching these two love one another, grow together, and even challenge one another in the years ahead.