These Two

There’s something pretty great about watching your children become each other’s best friends. Sure, they have their moments of bickering, but for now, Milo and Oliver are very close. Though they are nearly two years apart, it seems to me that each passing year bridges the gap. Oliver is more mature than Milo was at his age socially. He can hang with Milo and his friends whenever we have a play date at our house (though he is usually the designated “bad guy,” whether or not he likes this idea).

When I found out that I was having another boy (Milo was only still a baby), I wondered what he would be like, what he would look like, but mostly, how would they get along? And when Oliver was born, there were so many amazing differences (both personality and appearance!) that I secretly worried that maybe they were so different that they would butt heads. I have been, thus far, pleasantly surprised. 

I really can’t pinpoint the way it works. Milo is a million miles a minute; Oliver takes his sweeeeeeeet time. Milo climbs trees; Oliver wanders around under the branches. Milo has never been a cuddly guy; Oliver can’t get enough physical closeness. Milo lives through his body; Oliver through his imagination. They are two of the most opposite people I can imagine, yet they are thick as thieves. 

A few nights ago, Andrew took Milo to a fired-up-for-kindergarten open house. It was scheduled for the boys’ bedtime, so Oliver and Emil stayed back with me. Oliver was a wreck without Milo at bedtime. They share a room, but I guess I didn’t realize how much comfort they receive from one another until they were separated. I went through the regular bedtime routine: jammies, toothbrush, potty, story (in Milo’s bed, as Oliver insisted), drink of water, and tuck-in. But Oliver was really, really disturbed by Milo’s absence.

I can’t sleep without Mah-low! Whe-w is he? 

After several sessions of comforting and putting Oliver back into his bed, reassuring him that Milo would be back soon, and that he should try to trick him by pretending to be asleep when he got home, Oliver finally fell asleep.

The next morning, Oliver awoke to Milo and was hugging him and loving him like they had been apart for weeks! Milo was so tender and sweet, saying Oh, Oliver! Did you miss me? I’m sorry I had to leave you behind. Next time maybe you can come to fired-up-for-kindergarten so you won’t be lonely for me. I had to choke back tears, let me tell you. I hope this closeness grows and strengthens. It is such an amazing thing to see. P.s.- Check out this video from long long ago of the beginning of all the brotherly love (and smothering). And have a wonderful weekend!