Sleep Over!

This weekend has had a couple smiles for me, mostly as I watched the kids play together. There were several years when James' sister begged me, with tears in her eyes to:

1. Have another baby, preferably a girl
2. Let her get a dog or a parrot
3. Trade James in for a neighbour's son
4. Let her go live at her Nana's

Ouch. But I understood. James wasn't a lot of fun as a playmate. He was largely passive and nonverbal (yet somehow very noisy). Mommy and Daddy paid sooooooooo much attention to James, and our days grew very constricted and centered around his needs.

I know this has changed her life and we've tried the best we can to give her special time and put energy to her needs and interests as well.

That's why last night's impromptu sleepover was so sweet. It was Big Sister's idea, of course. She handled getting them both ready for bed and I helped her set up a futon and her sleeping bag. We read a Dr. Seuss book, followed by an exciting chapter of Charlie Bone and the Time Twister. Both kiddos giggled and their faces practically shone with the newness and excitement. Then it was time for lights out.

It lasted all of 10 minutes.

James, unfortunately, could not settle down and Big Sister (who really was tired) moved back to her room. But, it was a good try. And I think it helped them both. Big Sister, to have her ideas supported and tried. James, to have a chance to experience a sleepover, which at Grade 1 starts to become a big social thing.