Toddler friends

First steps and first words are certainly thrilling in the development of little people. You grab your camera and try to jot down the date and just how many words or steps were made. But honestly, those milestones end up getting a little trumped by the next thing...running through the yard and spontaneously asking a question of me like the little guy had been talking all his life. For me it's the relational developments that really have me addicted to these toddler years. I know it's biased but I think multiple children are their own unique blessing - to watch a little one interact with his own brother, whether in a concerned manner or acting out of his own selfishness - it really beats any first step or first word. The boys are at the most amazing age. William is probably a little too young normally to care about another person about his size but because he has a brother he is much more attentive to people his own age. I remember watching Brooks at the same age and wondering if he would ever notice another child? It makes "playdates" really seem like just "adult dates" while the little people play next to eachother but not with eachother. Of course now Brooks is at the age to actually enjoy not only his brother but other people his size. Yes, a child on his/her own is a wonder in itself but a child discovering his relationship with other people and how to interact in the world around him is truly the coolest thing to witness. Recently Brooks has had lots of play time with his "friends." Here is a picture of B and his friend, "big William", at the zoo. They were a little more fascinated with eachother this day than the flamingos and lions.

He spent a whole day this week with his friend since birth and here are a few pictures of them playing and getting ready for bed. I love their expressions.

But of course it is the brotherly love or frustration that is the sweetest for sure....but I'm not sure if B quite knows how to "love" William without smothering him....but I do think William will show B some of his own "love" very soon and in this case the smaller man may win!