Making Connections

I think Ezra has recently made an important connection.  Based on his outward actions, he seems to have figured out this important truth:

"I have an incredibly loyal, darling friend and sweet sister when I help her feel safe and happy.  When I don't help her feel safe and happy, she doesn't want to be with me, and then I'm lonely."

Ezra and Maren have recently improved their quality and quantity of together-play time.  There are more moments of giggling, holding hands, cuddling, and kindness.  There are even some sweet moments of unstructured collaborative fun between the two of them that is not initiated by me.  What a beautiful pattern! 

When Ezra and Maren are well-rested and fed (otherwise all bets are off!), they are genuinely pleased, even delighted to be together.  Sometimes, if Ezra gets a little rough, and Maren is on the verge of abandoning him, he will shower Maren with loves and apologies to encourage her to stay.  "Ezra," is almost always Maren's first word when she wakes up in the morning.  She truly adores her little brother, and Ezra is beginning to truly adore his little sister.

These few pictures from the past two weeks are just a glimpse of their deepening sibling bond.  And I couldn't be happier!