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I never planned (*) for my kids to be 4 years apart, but I have clearly learned that things do not always go as planned. It was my intent for them to be two years apart, but obviously that did not happen. In my head, a two year gap was the perfect age difference. I mean, L would have his time to be the baby, but he and the new kid would still be nice and close in age so they’d be able to play together. Yep, a two year age difference was where it was at.
But now? Now I think a 4 year age difference is perfect. WB is the baby. L is the big kid. L doesn’t want to revert back to “baby stuff”. I don’t have to worry about him trying to steal WB’s pacifiers (not that WB uses one, but whatever), having a baby steal “his” crib, potty training, etc. Sure he likes WB’s toys, but the difference is that he plays with WB’s toys with WB. And he wants to play with WB. Oh, and he plays nicely with him. He understands that WB is, well, a baby. He knows he needs to be gentle and not push or hit or bite. And if I need to give WB a bath or run upstairs to change WB’s diaper or go feed him (*), I don’t have to worry about leaving L alone for a few minutes. He’s not going to burn the house down or climb on the kitchen counters or any of that. He’s perfectly capable of entertaining himself (***) for a few minutes. Oh, and L can even feed WB while I am driving if it comes to that (thanks to my Podee bottles of course).
And the best part is that L loves being a big brother. And WB worships him. L can do no wrong in WB’s eyes. It’s so fun to watch. And if WB cries, L tries to comfort him and to make him feel better. If I am getting ready or whatever and WB is fussing in his crib, L is more than happy to go in WB’s room, climb in the crib and sit in there and talk to him, play with him, etc. So d*mn sweet ;). I know this could all blow up in my face tomorrow, but I am loving it right now!
And now it’s your turn. What are the age differences between your kids? Do you love it? What’s the best part? And the worst? I cannot wait to hear!
(*) Plans are dumb anyways.
(**) Remember, WB likes to eat in a dark room with no distractions.
(***) Or letting Sponge Bob or Scooby Doo entertain him.