As Only Siblings Can

Being an only child, the nuances of siblinghood often escape me. There have been many a time when I sit, cross-legged, on the floor, holding my boys as far apart as I possibly can while still having them both in my arms. They are, inevitably, in tears about a misunderstanding that seems ridiculous to me. At times such as those, we wait till Jake comes home with some pearl of wisdom that comes from growing up with two brothers.

I never thought that I missed anything by being an only child. But once I had both boys, I witnessed an amazing connection blossom. And I realized, I did miss something by being sibling-less.

Everyday I watch them interact as only siblings can. They are the best of friends with the ability to antagonize each other like no other. They are protective of each other but know how to press each other's buttons. They play. They fight. They are most genetically similar to each other than any other people. They are brothers.