Holding Hands

Holding Hands
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

Here's a picture of Nat holding Henry's hand while Henry naps in our living room. Nat has adjusted about as well as you could expect for a toddler. So far, since Henry was born, Nat has only requested that Henry "go away" or that there be "no baby" once. I was painting the back reception room (with the new skirting boards in, we no longer have exposed live electrical wires in our back reception room which doubles as Nat's playroom!) and Henry was nursing. Nat was frustrated because he couldn't come into his playroom, and mommy was occupied. So he started slamming the doors in our reception room, which he knows he is not allowed to do. I finally yelled at him and he cried, "Baby go away, no baby!". It was awful.

Otherwise when Nat wants attention, he suggests that whoever is not holding Baby Henry should hold Baby Henry, so that Nat can sit on the lap of the previous holder ("Daddy hold Henry, Nat sit on mommy's lap"). Of course, once Henry is transferred, Nat proposes that the swich be made again. It is nice to know, however, that Nat is sure to propose an option that doesn't just involve Henry being sent away or being put down by himself.

Nat has also reacted to the new competition for our affection by seriously dialing up the schmaltz. Whereas once Nat refused kisses, he now offers them up and requests to be held and cuddled at bedtime (during which he will look into your eyes and stroke your hair and say "squeeze").

Henry will need to raise his game to compete. The not-smiling and crying and moaning isn't cutting it.