“Big” sister

We often, in casual conversation, use “bigger” and “older” interchangeably when talking about kids. We’ll say, “Well, he can do that because he’s a big kid,” when what we really mean is that he’s older. 

Veronica is bigger than Colin. At some points, thanks to the timing of their separate growth spurts, it’s just by a little and not really noticeable. Other times the difference is quite apparent. She’s also more verbal (although he’s catching up quickly on that front), so it’s often easy to get caught in the trap of referring to her (or at least thinking of her) as the “big sister.” 

Looking up at an “umbrella” at the
Garfield Park Conservatory.
(It was a giant leaf, but they had fun
pretending otherwise.)

This is exacerbated by the fact that she think of herself as Colin’s big sister (or mommy — I’m really not sure some times). Right now, her mothering of Colin is cute, and he seems to really enjoy it. I think I’ve written before about how Colin will ask Veronica to read to him (Read to me Roni), and then will sit on her lap (sort of — they’re not that far apart in size) while she “reads” to him. 

Veronica, like most two-year-olds, is a little sponge. Not much happens near her that she doesn’t pick up on. She typically “participates” in Colin’s physical therapy sessions, so she is very aware of what he’s supposed to be working on. Very aware.

The other day, John came into the room where the two of them were playing, and found that Veronica had set up the pillows on the floor like Colin’s therapist sometimes does, and was putting Colin through a PT session. “Now step here Colin. Good. Now step here.”

It’s very cute, and as long as it doesn’t annoy him, it’s great. I see the day coming soon, however, where he is not going to want to be in the “little brother” role any longer. And that transition is not going to be so cute.