Big sister

So when is it that we realize that being a sibling is an important role? As a child do we understand how this bonding process works? No of course not. Siobhan is just starting to understand some. Watching both her reaction and Erin's actions are like watching a slow river as it envelops a smaller tributary flow into it. There is some turbulence and some confusion as to which way this relationship will turn. Then it slowly melts into a nice flow. That is what I see as these two girls develop their relationship with each other. Siobhan's expectations of how to communicate with a baby. Not like the adults or even other children her age. She wants more interaction, more confirmation that she is being recognized and that her little sister likes her. Vying for mom's attention. Oh the turmoil and the flow and the rocks in the middle of the stream.

Well this week the flow started to show some eveness. Erin smiled at Siobhan and said for all intents and purposes,"Hi!". I know it probably wasn't but maybe it was. I don't know for sure. But that is what it looked like from my side. Erin was gazing intently into her sister's eyes and opened her mouth and cooed a little and then just said, "ayeeee". Could have been a greeting of some language that I am not familiar with. But it was definately a greeting. No mistaking that. Siobhan was elated!!! It was a powerful moment. The smile on Siobhan's face was priceless. Her little sister had finally acknowledge her and spoke to her. On some level a bond was formed and the flow of a relationship began.
Yes there will be many other ebbs and flows and turbulence, but the river of love has enveloped them both and they are now part of each other. To be a witness to this was a great gift. To watch a child trying to understand the miracle of communication. Wow!!!