What a treat to spend a month with my 2 grandsons! Watching them get to first know each other was challenging, but they finally reached a middle ground where they could appreciate each other. Now they are best buds!
Two days before Hugo was born, the whole family (including the pregnant mom - EEK!) had a severe stomach virus. Needless to say, when 17 month-old H.C. was first introduced to his newborn brother, he was not feeling great still. It was not love at first sight. He naturally responded anxious and concerned that this intruder might take over his mommy and daddy's love and attention. He had liked things just fine the way they were before Hugo was born, except for that "mean bug."
H.C. started nervously saying, "No, Hugo, no!" any time Mommy had him. H.C. would bring the bouncy chair over to Mommy and pat the chair, saying, "Hugo chair! Hugo chair!" If Mommy didn't put Hugo in the chair, H.C. was inconsolable.
H.C. even had an opinion about whether Daddy could hug or even hold hands with Mommy. "No, Daddy, No!" only lasted a short while. Daddy gently made sure that stopped!
Within a week, the whole family was feeling much better from the "mean bug," and H.C. took pride in showing Hugo (he pronounced it "HOO-GO" :)) picture cards and teaching him what they were. Of course, Hugo paid close attention and soon smiled big when his brother spent that special time with him. H.C. also started kissing his toes like he had seen me do and telling Hugo that he loved him.
I knew we were in the clear early in the week after Hugo was born. The family decided to visit cousins about an hour away, so both car seats were together in the back seat of the "new car" (They had to get a used larger car because both car seats wouldn't fit with an adult in the back seat of their previous car. H.C. called it his "new car.") As we drove through town, H.C. reached over and patted Hugo's arm and said, "Look, 'Hoo-go'! Words!" as he pointed to the signs above the streets. Hugo looked at his brother very appreciatively, happy to be learning new things from his big brother. H.C. responded with his own smile and more fascinating information about our surroundings.
Their relationship has taken off! H.C. will always be the older brother, and Hugo will always be the younger one. Still, it looks like each of them gives and takes special things from his brother. What a great way to get along with a brother!
Keep up the super job, you two!
I love you both THIIIIIIIIIIIS much!
Nonna
