Being Buddies

Someone around here is pretty fond of her little sister these days.

The other night we were reading and out of the blue Jooge said, "I think I like my sister after all." I've witnessed her taking Avery into her room sweetly by the hand, declaring, "You're my sister, Bubie." I have heard her say, "Oh, Bub, you have to go potty? I will help you." It reminds me of when my brothers and I were were young and we were getting along, we would ask each other, "Wanna be buddies?"

Avery's response has been fun to watch. Whereas before she was dodging (or burried in!) bodyslams, now she is beginning to relax. The way she says, "Hi, sis," is without fear. Interestingly, when I ask Avery her name, she says, "Julia." There is more peaceful playing together. There is sharing. I glimpse gentle touches. I see them inching close, forming connections, and finding the reasons we wanted them to have siblings in the first place.