Friday, September 15, 2006

Curiosity

Aveline has passed the ignoring phase when it comes to her newborn sibling and is now entered the extremely curious phase. This phase causes her to examine Scarlett as closely as possible. All toddlers are naturally inquisitive, as well as innately clumsy and boorish. These qualities mixed with a titanium strength will serve up a disaster cocktail.
Needless to say, any of Aveline's newborn examinations are done under heavy parental supervision. Usually, one of us has to hold her and her hands, otherwise, many of Scarlett's orifices are explored by tiny index fingers, much to the newborn's dismay. We've tried to explain to our adoring toddler that the baby is fragile and that she needs to be "gentle" when she wants to touch Scarlett. Ha. Aveline's vocabulary will probably not include the word "gentle" until it shows up on a spelling test in second grade. My first-born is very, how should I say, rough and tumble. She enjoys playing roughly and throwing her body around like she is reenacting some ancient battle in a rare form of Incan interpretive dance. To her, gentle doesn't exist. So we let her view Scarlett from afar, unless Dan and I are both present. The pack and play bassinet that we employ during the day serves as a fairly safe area for Aveline's observations.

Even the most monstrous toddler can have a sweet side. During the course of her play, Aveline will bring different toys and toss them into the crib where Scarlett is sleeping, eerily reminiscent of laying gifts at an altar. While peering into the crib, after dropping her fifteenth wooden block at Scarlett's feet, a very sugary, soft voice whispers "Baaaybeeee." She looks at me and smiles with delight in her eyes. I think Aveline is starting to realize her sibling's potential as a playmate and a friend. From Scarlett's vantage point.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was great reading!!!

Laura said...

Aww, treasure these moments. I'm so glad Aveline is doing well with Scarlett. :)

Kate said...

What cute pictures! I had a nightmare week following the birth of my son in January as far as the jealousy of my older son. But then it calmed down. Looks like you're having a smoother introduction.

Christina said...

That last pic is great! It's so cute how interested she is in her little sister.

loelsh said...

Very cute! You've sure got your hands full now, huh?

Anonymous said...

Big sis just wants to size up the competition...she'll be fine once she figures out that your not watching her as much now that their are two. Wait till she draws on the wall and blames Scarlett! Didn't work for me maybe she'll be able to pull it off.

Anonymous said...

Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing!