Rutherford & MC

I knew when we had Mary-Charlotte that we would be giving Rutherford a gift. But other than thinking it's a blessing to have a brother or sister, I didn't really think too much about their relationship - how it would begin, evolve and grow. What they might do together. How they might interact.

R has taken some time adjusting to MC. I don't blame him - he's had us to himself for three years, doting grandparents, fun adventures and a happy, secure environment with a routine that he knows and is confident in. Mary-Charlotte changed all of that. She's loud and she cries (a lot, in the beginning). Our schedule went into upheaval. I wasn't available to R like before. Some days it felt like hardly at all. Everything changed for R and my heart broke for him as I watched him struggle to understand. It was hard. And many days I wondered if he would ever warm up to her, be affectionate with her, love her like we love her.

A few days ago we went to the Ranch. MC has only been there once or twice, and she was crying when I put her down for her nap. New environment, teething, etc. I came out of the room and I overheard Rutherford telling my dad, "I need to check on my sister. I need to see if my sister is OK." R heard her crying and was not just curious but concerned for her. It warmed my heart. I don't think I have ever even heard him refer to her as "my sister," it's always been "Mary-Charlotte." Later that day we put her in the swing and R was around the back playing with some trucks. When he heard she was swinging, he came running, "I want to push my sister on the swing!" And he was excited.

He has started hugging her, giving her toys, talking to her when he plays (I speak for her, lol). And yesterday he climbed into the ball pit with her and snuggled. Honestly I couldn't believe it. It was the sweetest thing ever. And it's not just sweetness and affection. He is developing a sense of humor where she is concerned. For months he has bristled at her vocalizations or crying, or cringed when she drooled or messily ate her breakfast. Ned and I would try to make light of it but R never fell for it.

Recently, however, he's started to laugh when she makes a crazy noise. And when I make fun of her for having beets on her nose, he giggles too. It's like a little door has been opened inside of his heart for her, and he's letting her in. It is a remarkable thing to witness and I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to see it. I love them both so much.