Siblings

The relationship between siblings can be very complex. Layered. Curious.

Thing One and Thing Two are no exception.

Thing One is...how can I put this...an interesting child. He's kinda of a shrimp. Skinny. A bit on the whiny side. This kid has a sensitive/stubborn streak that has definitely put him at odds with his maternal unit at times, but he's normally pretty good for any other authority. He's got a natural athletic ability that didn't come from his parents. Catlike reflexes. He's very shy and rather unwilling to try new things. Life for Thing One needs to stay inside a nice comfortable box that he has designed. I don't baby him. That's just not my personality. But I can see how he likes to control his world. He can be rather self absorbed. Wonder where that came from.

Thing Two is a polar opposite. Chubby. Not graceful. A huge tease. Generally mellow. Easily controlled. Doesn't mind transitioning to new things. Does have a bit of a shy streak, but I think that could partially be his age. This is the kid that's going to be telling jokes at the dinner table and always looking for a laugh.

And the dynamic between Things amuses me.

Thing One is clearly the boss. He dictates what they shall play. Who gets what toys. What cartoon to watch. What they eat for lunch. And Thing Two doesn't seem to mind in the least. Whatever he is told, he responds "Okay, Bubby." He understands the pecking order and doesn't question it. Nevermind that he has enough girth to knock his brother flat on the ground. He remains his humble servant.

It's very godfather-esque. Yesterday, I was strapping Thing Two into his carseat. He had found a little green car on the van floor and was delighting in it. When Thing One entered the van, Thing Two immediately handed the car to him and said "Here, Bubby." It wasn't like he did it grudgingly. It was as if he believed in his heart that Bubby was the rightful owner of the car and he had just been holding it for him. Thing One gave the car a once over and said "That's okay, you can have it." A gift from the Master. Thing Two squeezed the car in his chubby fist as if the skies had opened and smiled upon him. I could just hear in his head "Bubby is so good to me."

But pecking order aside, the two of them get along really well. They can often be found playing together in their room, or outside, or in the basement. Thing One actually doesn't like going in the basement without his brother. He says it's scary down there alone. So Thing Two is like his bodyguard too. They love to wrestle and goof around and chase each other around the house with light sabers. They work well as a team. They balance each other out. And Thing One isn't a harsh ring leader. He takes care of his little brother and loves to teach him how to be a "big kid".

I'll be interested to see what happens if a third child ever enters the mix and tries to push Thing One out as the ringleader. Goodness, that could get ugly.