Best Friends

I'll be honest. I was a bit worried that "the baby" would be jealous of Abigail when she came along. With our other kids, we combated baby sibling rivalry with a sense of ownership. "this is your baby. Can you give your baby a pacifier?"

Well, we didn't really have to brainwash Brenley this way. From the begining, she would warn her siblings,"This is MY sister! She is my tiny baby, and I need to hold her!"

She is right. Abigail is Brenley's best friend. She knows Brenley's voice best from the womb. This is a natural consequence of spending most of my pregnant time chatting with my toddler. She seems to recognize Brenley's voice and likes her best.






Brenley has ruled our household for the last three years. She doesn't really feel the need to share, and doesn't mind using corporal punishment. She isn't above some hitting and biting to get her way. But she doesn't seem to show the slightest sign of this with Abigail. The other day, I used one of Brenley's towels after the baby got out of the tub. Brenley, in true Brenley form, screams,"Hey! That's MY towel!" I said, "Oh, you are right, it is. Abigail just got out of the tub. Can she use it?" She thinks for a moment and says, "well, let me see her." Just then the baby's tiny foot stuck out of the towel. That was it. Brenley uttered her signature, only for the baby exclamation, "Oohh". I can't describe the sound. But it sounds basically like she is saying, "that is just the cutest tiny thing". I love that sound. It means her little heart has melted. She continued, "look at that little foot. She is the cutest tiny baby, isn't she mom?" No more concern for the towel, or it's owner.



She doesn't allow us to neglect her. We hear this urgent cry, "Mom, tiny baby is crying!" If Abigail makes the tiniest peep. (She will ONLY call her "Abigail" or "Tiny Baby". It is the cutest thing. She absolutely will not shorten her name.)

She loves to hold her, and thinks she is fabulous. Even if she requires my attention, or steals Brenley's things. It is such a relief to me, and so adorable to watch. I hope these girls will always be best friends.