Brotherly Love

Today at the library Brayden came walking out of the baby book area beaming and holding a book about trains.  He was in the process of telling me he found a book he wanted to take home when another boy who was probably around the same age or maybe older came around and grabbed it claiming he had found it first.  I hadn't seen what happened, but I followed instinct and grabbed onto the book calmly and asked both boys to let go.  Brayden was crying saying "No! It's mine," but let go obediently and the other boy held tight saying "I had it first!"  Wow.

Isn't it crazy when you're the adult and still don't always know what's best??

Well, I quickly made the decision to let the book go and try to help Brayden find another one.   Brayden was of course in tears and the other boy went straight in to the baby room again, set the book down on a rocking chair and left the room.  Meanwhile, I was explaining to Brayden that even though I didn't know what happened or whose book it should be, people's feelings are more important than books.  Since I had noticed the boy set it down and Brayden had calmed down significantly, I mentioned that he could go grab the book because it was left alone.  Of course he was thrilled and the problem was solved.  Preston wisely pointed out that even though Brayden let the book go, he did the right thing so he got it back.

What I really loved about the experience was a quick moment that was probably unnoticed by everyone else.  Right as I let the boy take the book back, Zander came running over behind the boy saying "No. No. Braydens!"  It just made me feel so good seeing him care about Brayden enough to stick up for him.  Very precious.

They are becoming very good buddies.  I love watching them play together and the way that they create games out of nothing. Brayden calls Zander pet names like "Sweetie pie/sweet heart, Little Buddy, Zandy Babes, and Zander Boy" (which he picked up from me).  Zander laughs when Brayden's trying to be silly and gives Brayden the best hugs.  And even though he is a HUGE tease to Brayden when it comes to sharing things that he knows Brayden wants, I know he loves him and would look out for him.  I got my proof today :)