Sisters and Brothers, Brothers and Sisters, Ain't We Everyone

This picture cracks me up because it totally captures the relationship between these two. Olivia was trying to explain to me the rules of a game only she understands while Sammy does whatever it takes to get her attention. Theirs is a complex love and hate relationship. On the one hand, Olivia nurtures Sammy and can use the sweetest voice to ask him if he needs help or if he wants to play. On the other hand, there's this scenario, pretty much every day:

Olivia: Sam, that's my toy!
Sam: Mine!
(Sound of Olivia grabbing the toy from him.)
Sam: No, Mine!
(Sound of Sammy growling like a baby lion.)
(Sound of Olivia pushing or slapping Sam.)
(Sound of Sam crying.)
(Sound of Olivia crying.)

Ugh. I don't know what to do. They both obviously lack the verbal powers to get the other to understand without resorting to violence. But violence works! Toy is returned! But then everyone feels bad and is crying. Perhaps violence doesn't work!

We'll keep trying.

My goal is that these two will grow up to be adults who love and respect each other. Chris and I work on facilitating their relationship but I know how hard sibling relationships are. Then there are glimmers of just how much they do love each other: when Sam's having a hard time getting to sleep, he'll get into bed with Olivia and cuddle. At the park, another kid went down the slide and ran into Sammy. Olivia told her, "You should be careful, that's my baby brother!"

We've got a few exciting trips coming up, so there will be lots of opportunities for growth for these two.