The Vestal Family: Learning how to be brothers

Charlie boy is now 8 months old! He is such a happy boy and wants so badly to keep up with his brother and get involved in everything he's doing. Every day, Tim and I feel like Charlie grows bigger right before our eyes. He loves to be held and to watch people's faces and expressions. His favorite thing is to blow raspberries all day long as loud as he can. He wants to crawl and explore, but he also wants to be held and near to whomever is nearby... but if he can't see you he forgets that he wants to be held and can be distracted by all of his brother's toys.

Andrew still isn't sure if he likes his baby brother. Sometimes he worries over him when he cries and he brings him his car toys or ALL of his pacifiers. Other times, you can catch Andrew sitting or standing on his poor brother. Or throwing a book at him. It's a dangerous world for a little brother! He hates it when Charlie comes near his toys and would prefer that neither of them play with the toys rather than having to choose to play with them together. He will often take all of his toys out of the play room where no one gets to play with them when he's faced with the idea of Charlie touching them. We're learning more and more that Andrew is somewhat timid and meek around his friends... choosing to share his toys and stand back and watch when someone else faces a problem or is upset. He's hardly ever aggressive or possessive around other children... but is more passive and quiet. However, he does turn and take any building frustration out on his unassuming baby brother!