Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Brothers and Sister

One of the best parts about being a mom of more than one child is watching how those kids form relationships of their own.

Things are a bit different in our family because we have some special circumstances.  Charlie's autism means that he relates to others differently and what he wants and needs socially is just different then the norm.  But being autistic does not mean that he is not social.  Charlie is social, and relationships are important to him... just in a unique way.

Charlie and Ephram have a good bond.  They love to have fun.  They wrestle, they laugh, they build, they knock down, they chase.  They are boys.

Charlie and Ephram have individual relationships with Macie that are markedly different.  With Macie, Charlie shows a softness that I have rarely seen.  He displays concern and tries so hard to figure out just what will get her to smile.  For Ephram, it comes a little more naturally.  And because of that I think there is less of a barrier between those two.  Macie loves both of her brothers.  And they love her.

Here are some of the moments they shared in July.

Ephram has assigned himself the role of Macie's protector.  Anytime he is worried about anything, he will run straight to her side to ensure her safety.



He also desperately wants to care for her.  On this particular day, he put her to sleep all by himself.  He was very proud.




Both of the boys love to sing to her.  Sometimes she gets a little overwhelmed when they are both there, so we need to take turns.  Here is some Itsy, Bitsy Spider action



The second Macie is laid down on the floor, Ephram is there.  He always has at least one toy in hand to teach her about play.  This girl is going to have so much help in learning how to use things!


Ephram has been trying to get Macie to be ticklish.  She thinks he is funny.


Charlie's favorite thing is reading - so he often will bring a book to read to Macie.


And then Ephram will step in and show her how to make it light up.



That Ephram is Macie's shadow.  But she doesn't mind!  I have a feeling these two just might be the best-of-friends kind of siblings.  I'd love that.  Only time will tell...


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