It must be love

Catching glimpses of our girls together often stops us in our tracks. We stand and gaze at The Bean interact with her sister so gently, so patiently. No matter what her mood, our toddler has never once raised her voice/been rough/tried to smother/poke/prod/feed/make over her baby sister. She has never directed any anger at her sister in response to "mama can't play right now because Lulu is hungry". When she's sleeping she wants her sister sleeping in her room at the same time 'to keep her safe' (we're not quite sure who's meant to be keeping who safe...). The Bean doesn't appear to resent having this new little person in the house that often requires her to "be quiet!" and "stop running!" Instead, when Lulu Bean cries, The Bean will sing and dance, strum her ukulele, or read her a story.

For her part, Lulu Bean is completely besotted with her big sister. She can't tear her eyes away from her. Her new found giggles come from deep in her belly when it's her sister who's eliciting them.

No doubt we have some 'interesting' times ahead as the parents of two girls, one who we already know is determined. Right now, we're just enjoying watching the formation of a beautiful bond.