Siblings

I think I finally understand what it was like for my brother growing up. The age difference, gender and birth order are the exact same with Matt and I as with Ryan and Kaelen. The birth of Ryan really changed Kaelen's world and their relationship is constantly changing and evolving.

When Ryan came home from the hospital, there was a bit of jealousy and a lot of curiosity. Kaelen wanted to do everything that I was doing and never quite understood why she couldn't take care of him herself. When Ryan was a few months old she entered a really sneaky/aggressive stage. I couldn't leave them alone because she often attempted to make herself an only child again.

When it was evident that he was here to stay and that I was going to protect him she came around again and started to be the little mommy. She loves to get things for him (diapers, bottles, toys, etc.) and also feed him, bathe him, and teach him how to do things. There is the occasional WWF moves, but for the most part she is very kind to him.

When they were sharing a room in Dorchester, we used to worry that Ryan would wake Kaelen and so we would run and get Ryan as soon as he made a peep. One morning we heard Ryan but then he stopped. We figured he had gone back to sleep so we did, too. I heard him a few minutes later and went up to get him. I found him buried under every toy and stuffed animal in their room. I looked at Kaelen and she said, "he wanted to play with something, mommy".

In Malden, they have their own rooms but are often in each other's rooms playing and it is fun to watch (and referee). He looks up to her and wants to do everything she does. She loves it but also gets frustrated. He never backs down. Ryan knows he is going to get hit or pushed trying to play with some things, but he puts his head down and goes for whatever it is anyways.

Just the other day, she woke up crabby after a nap and he was very concerned about her crying so he went over to her and put his head on her lap (that is how he hugs). She was not feeling it and turned away. Dee (the doll) was right there for the taking and he took her and hugged her. That would usually send her over the edge but in this case it was funny and Ryan saved the day.