He's a Little Brother

The good news is that the big kids never take their frustration or naughtiness out on Crew. They treat him like a Prince. In fact, their behavior seems to have a direct correlation with how much time they get to spend actually participating in Crew Care. Ah HA! I'm such a dope.

Kinley thinks it's weird that I used to let her help a lot more with baby Tanner when she was two years old than I do now with Crew. Fine, I can kinda see her point. I've been pretty darn selfish, neurotic, and controlling with the little one since he came home (not that I feel guilty about it. I think it's a natural reaction to what we've been through). Plus, when Kinley gets a turn, Tanner clamors for his own and it's a totally chaotic production that leaves them smiling and me in a cold sweat.

This afternoon I put Tanner down for a nap and Kinley is holding Crew, enjoying a little one-on-one time with him, introducing him to Phineas and Ferb. She's a total natural. I should have remembered what a perfect little parrot she was when Tanner was a baby. When he starts to fuss, she stands up (which I found initially unnerving) and mimics my exact soothing wiggles and shushing sounds, calming him right down. She's cool as a cucumber, unruffled by fussiness. I'm remembering now how much I was looking forward to having Miss Kinley around when the babies came home. Bless her.