Seventy Times Seven

Chef Samu-el

I think I have two remarkable toddlers, but today Sam stood out for something special. Today Sam taught me about being like a little child and forgiving over and over again.

Michael has been hitting Sam for months. It started because Sam inevitably had something that looked better than what Michael was playing with. You all know how that goes. Lately, though, Michael has been hitting to emphasize that what he is playing with belongs to HIM and he doesn't want anyone to take it. It doesn't make sense. No one is trying to take things from him, he just goes up and hits people and says "mine!" so they will know where he stands. Occasionally he will repeatedly shove Sam's head against the wall or hit him on the head with hard toys.

I wouldn't expose this little trait if it weren't to illustrate how Sam deals with it. It hurts his feelings and he is getting a little bit scared of Michael, but for the most part, Sam forgives him. Sam tries to fight back and gets the giggles. He thinks it's a game! We went on a little bike ride tonight and Sam noticed that the bucket on the back of Michael's bike was hanging down. He got off of his bike and went to fix it. "There, Michael." He said. "All better."

Tonight at bedtime Michael was already in his crib while I had to change Sam's pajamas (long story). Sam wanted to get into Michael's crib and give him a kiss goodnight. He loves his brother so much and harbors no ill feelings for all of the times he's been pushed and beaten on the head today (and every other day).

I, on the other hand, lost it this morning and really yelled at Michael, followed by a long cuddle in the rocking chair. My approach didn't work as 15 minutes later he was hitting Sam on the head with something else. I just can't stand to see Sam cowering away from his brother every time he raises a toy in the air. I want them to love and trust each other. I know this is part of growing up, but I was so much younger than the rest of my siblings that I think I kind of missed this part of sibling rivalry.

It's just a lesson to me that Sam forgets his injuries so quickly and continues to show great love. I know Michael will learn to communicate better and to play fighting without really fighting, but in the mean time, I can learn a lesson from Sam and give him a little more slack for being a two year old. One on one he is an absolute angel, so I guess this is just his attention getting device. It works.

Here's the picture Sam took of us after we made muffins together during Michael's nap. He had so much fun and went to get the camera to take a picture to remember it by. If he could do a post today it would read: Today I got hit on the head a lot, Michael got in trouble for it, Mom and I made muffins, we went on a bike ride, I love my brother.

Now I will keep my promise to Josh and go to bed.