Warming Up

In hopes of getting Isabelle used to the idea of being a big sister, we have been using our little niece Abigail as somewhat of a guinea pig. And, of course, wanting these two to be friends too. I’m sure it didn’t help when my mom would be holding Baby Abby, we would tell Isabelle, “Look, Oma has the NEW baby, you’re the OLD baby.” Then proceed to ask her if she liked Abigail. She would scowl in the general direction of the pink soft little bundle and answer with a definitive, “No.” (If you are a parent to be, perhaps you should add these things to the list of “Not to Do’s” that you have been subconsciously compiling.)

Now that Abby is about four months old, Jona let her hold Abby on her lap and this seemed to quell the storm of competition. The whole time Abby was with us, Isabelle stayed close by her stroller or by her side. She would rub her face and say, “Nice Baby.” Or “Soft Baby.” All the while, Abby had this semi-concerned, “Are you all sure about this?” look on her face.

Luckily, in keeping with her mother’s personalities, Abby is easy going (and consequently already sleeps through the night with little effort) and compliant. While Isabelle, in keeping with her mother’s personality, rides through life like a cowboy on a bucking bull. She came from the womb crying, “Listen up folks, it’s my way or the highway!” Good times…