What a difference a year makes…

The picture you see above was taken last year about this time. Please note Toddler 2’s expression because it pretty much sums it all up. The girls co-existed, but Toddler 2 was most often a victim (or an unamused bystander) of her big sister’s antics. Not being one to smile much (and most definitely not on command), it’s as if she wore this smirk on her face to say, “Are you kidding me? Is this all you’ve got people?” … Granted, the pink Boppy seat I had to force her “healthy” legs into on this particular day might have added to her misery. But, honestly, she was just a serious baby with an uncanny ability for flashing these adult-like expressions. And, I was so pleased to have captured one on camera to show her at a later date.

Now, fast-forward a year to the picture above which was taken yesterday.

I marvel at how far we’ve come. We have graduated from the Boppy to miniature lawn chairs. But, much more importantly… sisters have become friends.

On good days, the girls play together for as much as thirty minutes at a time. They scream for joy together, they scream in anger together, they scream for no reason together. They eat their meals together, they take baths together, they watch toddler television together. They team up together against their Daddy and me. They run away from me (in opposite directions, but united in purpose) at the library and the mall. They smile, (although Toddler 2 is currently in the super-cheese phase) on cue, together. They even miss each other when separated for a few hours. Of course, they continue to fuss and commit various violent offenses against one another at least fifty times a day. But, at the end of the day, (and sometimes at intervals throughout the day), they love each other. And, THAT is a beautiful thing.

I’m witnessing the birth of a friendship. And, I, for one, am most excited to watch (and referee!) as it grows.

So, on this fabulous Friday,… Here’s to sibling love and the difference a year can make 🙂