"Brotherly Love"

It is funny how "sayings" change after having kids.

For example, "up all night" or "an all nighter" has an entirely different meaning now that kiddo's have come along. In college we sort a bragged about doing all nighters studying or dancing or "just" talking all night with a new fellow . . . Now I look with deep empathy at my mom friend faces who have just pulled an all nighter with vomit, ear infections, birthday cupcake prep or simply bad dreams with their kiddo's.

The saying "summer fun" is sure differnt! Before kiddo's summers were short, fun, and possibly filled with a an exotic trip like a cruise or even Europe. Now that I live in the south with kiddo's, summers are very long, hot, & a bit stressful (wondering when a hurricane might pop up and thinking how will we evacuate, who will we stay with who won't be driven crazy by our kids, is a hotel too small for a week???) Now with kiddo's I am constantly thinking where can we go that's not too hot but fun enough for a 2yr. old. Surprisingly, Sam's club is pretty fun (oversized carts, taste testing stations, and lots of crazy things to look at). Splashing in a fountain at the mall is pretty fun even if the kiddo gets so wet you have to change his clothes. Having strangers tell you "Your kids are adorable" whether or not it's true - is pretty fun.

Well . . . this week Coop has been wanting to hold Allie. He holds out his arms as though I'll just hand her over. When I've got them both set in the big recliner and he squezzes her a bit too tight and she screams, or tickles her toes or when he kisses her & she smiles back at him - all I can think is how the saying "brotherly love" has changed for me. In these moments when my kiddo's love each other without really knowing what it is they are doing - what a gift for me. There are some "sayings" that simply change your heart for the better after kiddo's come along.