Two much?

We've learned that the green-eyed monster often pays Owen a visit whenever another child even hints at getting a little attention from me. We've also learned that Owen is not too keen on sharing his own toys in his own environment. So, what would it be like to have another child, in the house, vying for Mommy's time? Last week, we had a chance to find out!

I kept Owen's new friend, Caroline, a couple of times last week while her Mommy and Daddy were tied up with some unexpected appointments. The first day she was with us for a few hours...just long enough for Owen to be tolerant but wary. They ate, played and napped and the day was pretty uneventful.










The next time Caroline came to stay, we had her for about 12 hours. So for an entire day, Owen had to share his space, his toys AND his mommy. Foreign concepts, to be sure. Overall, he did great (with a few sketchy moments here and there). The biggest problems occured when Caroline was being held by me. Suddenly, Owen realized he needed to be held too! This was particularly fun when going up and down the stairs. (While I wouldn't suggest this routine for pure entertainment, it might come in useful as a new fitness regimen.)

Occasionally, a toy would cause some trouble and we'd have to do some quick negotiating. I even once tried to convince him that Caroline was coming in for a hug, not a toy snag...um yeah, like he wouldn't know the difference. See it here.

Aside from the waves of jealousy and episodes of absconding with a toy, there were many moments of absolute sweetness and peaceful sharing.
























































When he heard her stirring after waking from a nap, Owen immediately ran to the door of the guest room saying "Kai! Kai!" ("Kai" is Owen's interpretation of "Caroline"). I opened the door for him to go in and he ran to the crib, kissed her hand and helped her with her pacifier when it fell out. Both were all smiles.




























Rob came home a bit early from work to help with the evening routines (a snag that I can foresee when you have two) and we were able to get in a walk before dinner. Both kids loved the fresh air and the fun ride.














When all was said and done, I was so grateful for the opportunity to have two sweet kiddos in my care, even for just a day. Caroline is a joy, Owen CAN share his Mommy (even though he doesn't like it) and it was nice to see the sweet moments between them.

Maybe, just maybe, two is not "two much."
But don't hold your breath. And don't get too excited. We're pretty content with our perfect one right now!

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PS--The day after Caroline stayed with us, Owen woke from his nap and ran to the guest room door...

Owen: (jiggling the door knob) "Kai! Kai!"
Me: "She's not here today, baby. Caroline is not in there."
Owen: (insistent, still jiggling) "Kai! Seep!" (also signing "sleep")
Me: (opening the door) "Owen, she's not in here, sweetie."
Owen: (running over to crib, looking in) "Air go?"
Me: "She's at home. Caroline is at her house."
Owen: (looking confused...long pause) "Amy?"

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To see many more pics of this twosome, click here.