family

February 2, 2011

For my boys:

One day, you will fight over whose turn it is on the Xbox (or whatever futuristic game station is relevant).
You will argue over who “needs” to borrow dad’s car immediately.
You will poke fun at each other, keeping the insults just above the belt until someone gets really peeved and will go there. (Though he will apologize later because it’s the right thing to do.)

Someday, you will borrow each other’s clothes.
However, well before that happens, you will put a stop to me dressing you both in matchy-matchy outfits.
You will accuse me of favouring one over the other, and believe it until you’re 35.
You will scream “He’s hitting me!” exactly 4,348 times over the course of the next 10 years.

One day, you will be embarrassed to be related to one another. (Thankfully, it will pass quickly.)
You will hide toys, steal crayons and take the last treat for yourself.
You will be an honest and enthusiastic snitch – pointing out your brother’s shortcomings and faults.
And, when asked to borrow 5 bucks, you may opt to keep it for yourself.

Someday, you may take each other for granted.
You will intend to call, but the days will stretch into weeks.
You will be busy with your own family and your own priorities.
Maybe, you just won’t feel a connection to each other.
You will forget about your best friend.

And, on that day, I will forward this link – and these impromptu pictures that I took on a cold winter afternoon in February 2011.

Yes, you were in matchy-matchy outfits.
Yes, you were very young.

But you only had eyes for each other.
Unadulterated affection written all over your faces.
You took care of each other in way that makes my heart explode.

Boys, meet your first true love: your brother.

 

44 Responses to “February 2, 2011”

  1. Lisa Marie
    July 17, 2012 at 9:07 am #

    This. Is. Beautiful. <3

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:23 am #

      Thanks Lisa Marie, and thanks for stopping by!

  2. Allison
    July 17, 2012 at 9:21 am #

    Another beautiful post Lena! I love all the pictures, they honestly do tell the story of two best friends! Your boys are lucky to have such a talented and loving mommy.

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:24 am #

      You are too kind, Allison. Thank you! I always smile when I look back at the pictures.

  3. Carlee
    July 17, 2012 at 9:45 am #

    Such a heartwarming post. Thanks for sharing.

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:24 am #

      YW Carlee! Thank you!

  4. Kendra
    July 17, 2012 at 11:43 am #

    Sweet post! And your boys are so cute!

  5. Deborah / Mom2Michael
    July 17, 2012 at 11:46 am #

    Beautiful post and pictures! The love really shines through. And there will indeed be days they will need a reminder :)

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:25 am #

      Thanks Deborah. As a mom of two boys, I’m sure you can relate :)

  6. Tiffany
    July 17, 2012 at 11:54 am #

    What a sweet post. And so true.

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:25 am #

      Thanks Tiffany!

  7. Ella Pretty Blog
    July 17, 2012 at 12:03 pm #

    Sob sob – why do you have to make me cry first thing in the morning Lena? The picture of Reid sucking his thumb – and the face smush one -& the second pic down with Ryder’s arm around Reid…. toooo adorable! And their matchy-matchy outfits are super-cute!

    I wonder how my kids will interact as they grow older – right now, they squabble at home… but have each others back COMPLETELY when they’re at school. I love that they have someone to stand up for them when necessary – and hope they continue to look out for each other as they get older – but I know things change. Hubby and his sister were so close growing up, but don’t really have anything to say to each other now….while my sis and I were best friends growing up – and are even closer now. I guess as long as they want the best for each other, they’ll be fine.

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:26 am #

      Oh no! Didn’t mean to make you sob at all :)

      The dynamic with twins is so unpredictable because they share such a special relationship – that no one else is privy to. I have a feeling your children will be very close as they grow.

  8. Lisa P.
    July 17, 2012 at 2:24 pm #

    I have the same hopes for my kids. Well said! :)

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:26 am #

      Thanks Lisa! xo

  9. LizaDee
    July 17, 2012 at 4:19 pm #

    *sniff*sniff*….this is just beautiful!

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:27 am #

      Aw, you’re so sweet. And congratulations on joining the club! Your little guy will make a wonderful big brother.

      • LizaDee
        July 20, 2012 at 9:31 am #

        Thanks so much :) xo

  10. Chrissy
    July 17, 2012 at 7:15 pm #

    Sweetest pics EVER! Brotherly luv is something so special. Fab post.

  11. Robin
    July 17, 2012 at 9:06 pm #

    Absolutely beautiful! The words AND the boys!

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 7:28 am #

      Thank you hunny :)

  12. AlexandraSD
    July 17, 2012 at 11:25 pm #

    Oh, I so love this post. So sweet and pure.

  13. Erlinda
    July 18, 2012 at 12:32 pm #

    From cradle to grave…That’s how it is with siblings…Always together!

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 1:25 pm #

      They’re sitting at the table sharing a bowl of cut-up fruit right now, it’s so sweet! xo

  14. Shauna MacKenzie
    July 18, 2012 at 4:36 pm #

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! I feel the same about my boys. Even though they’re 4 yrs apart, they are best friends and love each other so much. I really think that they’re the most important person in each other’s lives, even more than Cam & I. Ryder & Reid are simply adorable, and the photos you posted capture the love they feel for each other.

    • Lena
      July 18, 2012 at 9:22 pm #

      In every picture that you’ve posted of your gorgeous boys, I can see the love in their eyes. You are so blessed Shauna!

  15. Michael
    July 19, 2012 at 6:23 am #

    Beautiful little me and little you!

    • Lena
      July 19, 2012 at 6:38 am #

      They are beautiful mini-mes, aren’t they? Thanks for being such a great father to them :)

  16. Victoria
    July 19, 2012 at 3:01 pm #

    AWWWWW!! Char!!!! Where do you come up with this stuff??!!

    • Lena
      July 19, 2012 at 3:22 pm #

      Tucked away in a little dormant corner of my brain. Probably after years of practice writing notes to you in high school :)

  17. Mom
    July 20, 2012 at 6:28 pm #

    This is such a lovely, touching post Lena. You are so talented and creative! Seeing the beautiful pictures of my two adorable grandsons almost brought tears to my eyes. Also, your post blends in so well with the two brothers bonding and expressing their brotherly love for one another. Both Ryder and Reid are lucky to have such a loving mommy.

    • Lena
      July 23, 2012 at 2:36 pm #

      Thanks Mom, love you! xxoo

  18. Diana @ Toronto Teacher Mom
    July 20, 2012 at 6:58 pm #

    Oh my word, how beautiful!

    • Lena
      July 23, 2012 at 2:36 pm #

      :) Thank you Diana.

  19. Cindy
    July 21, 2012 at 9:52 pm #

    I just discovered this post. I love it. And your boys are absolutely gorgeous. I have two boys as well and they are very close. And yes they fight over almost everything.

    • Lena
      July 23, 2012 at 2:37 pm #

      Thanks Cindy – happy to be part of the mom club with you :) Does the fighting ever end? LOL

  20. SassyModernMom
    July 23, 2012 at 2:02 pm #

    Oh such a beautiful post!! One for the baby books :)

    • Lena
      July 23, 2012 at 2:37 pm #

      Thanks darling. I hope they read it someday!

  21. Cindy
    July 24, 2012 at 9:28 pm #

    LOL! Yes the fighting subsides, but that’s when you need to be on your toes, because that means they are conspiring against you. It is amazing how they can get along if they have a common foe or goal (usually trying to pull one over on mom). It’s fun to watch.

    Your boys will bring you so much joy and laughter.

    • Lena
      July 25, 2012 at 7:07 am #

      Loved reading your response, Cindy, because I find that sometimes, when the boys are too quiet and seem to be getting along… you’re right, they’re up to no good!

  22. Lori Bazan
    January 21, 2013 at 12:23 pm #

    Wow, what an amazing way of words. Your boys will cherish these words, thank-you!

    • Lena
      January 27, 2013 at 10:27 am #

      Thank you Lori :)

  23. Mandy
    January 24, 2013 at 10:27 pm #

    LOVED this! And the pictures reminded me of my two boys. I’m so happy and proud of how well they get along..although I know they will have their moments growing up

    • Lena
      January 27, 2013 at 10:28 am #

      Haha so true! My boys are currently screaming and hitting each other!

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