When Breanna was born, we knew to expect some sibling rivalry. It started with the rivalry for attention, especially with the care that a baby needs. Then as Breanna grew up a bit, it meant that Hayley now had a friend as well as a sister, but it also created the rivalry for belongings; sometimes Hayley thinks her sister is a great playtime buddy, other times she’s annoyed that Breanna is touching her stuff.

On the other hand, Hayley is remarkably good about sharing. This is especially true about food. It’s so true that I have to constantly remind her that she isn’t to give Breanna any food without asking me or George first because otherwise god only knows what I’d find being consumed by someone under the age of one.

Every night, Hayley has a snack before bed and for a few weeks now she either has a bowl of cereal or a yogurt. Without fail, every yogurt is opened while asking me, “Mommy, can I give Breanna some yogurt?” I always tell her yes as long as she only puts a tiny bit on the spoon, lets Breanna put her mouth on the spoon (as opposed to forcing it into her mouth), and that she doesn’t let her hold the container. That last one is important since snack time is after bath time and I’d rather not hose down someone who was already clean.

It makes me so happy to see that. Hayley, rough as she can be when she’s playing, is so gentle and careful about feeding her sister. She loves doing it. Now, Breanna has caught on to the routine. As soon as they’re ready for snack time, Hayley sits down and the second Breanna realizes that, she walks over as quickly as those short legs will carry her, and she usually already has her mouth wide open before she’s even halfway there.

I don’t think I’m naive enough to think they’ll share everything this readily for the rest of their lives, but it’s a mighty fine start, I think.