Just like him

I have never had the experience or benefit of being the younger sibling. I was the oldest child and oldest grandchild on all sides, so I didn't really have anyone that I wanted to "be" like. My sister was 8 years younger than me and we were never really at the same point in life that I remember her wanting to be like me.

My kids are so close in age though that they pick up on things from each other. Bubby has picked up some attitude from the Princess at times and the Princess has learned to use her imagination from her Bubby. But I have noticed that she really does want to be just like him. She tells us she needs to go the potty when he needs to go; she tries to dress or undress herself as he does; she talks endlessly and uses phrases just like him. Yesterday, he was tromping around our yard and our neighbors yard hunting bears. He had a pop gun stuck down in the elastic waist of his shorts (presumably held in place by his tightie whities!) and was describing to her what he was "seeing." We only had one gun, so the Princess picked up a stick, stuck it in her shorts, and tromped off as well. She yelled back to me, "Shh, Mommy, hunting bears." Just like him.

A few days ago, we asked Charlie if he might want another brother or sister (it was a random and crazy thought!). His exact words were "I only want Kiki!" I love watching their relationship develop and blossom.