Shortly after giving birth to Noah, I found myself getting clucky very quickly. Tim and I had spoken about having more than one child and given that I was in my late 30s and that my Mum menopaused early, we knew that we had to get cracking as soon as we could.
I never thought of planning for my children's age gap. I actually never thought much about it. My brother and I have a 4.5 year gap which was significant when we were young (ie. when I was an angry teen and he was a pesty little kid) but as we grew older, the gap quickly disappeared. It was not long until we were doing things together, had common friends and I counted him to be one of my best friends. Hence, I know that big age gaps effectively does not matter. However, when I was pregnant with Noah, I was exposed to mums wanting to have their children to have a close age gap. Two under Two was the catch phrase. I am not sure if it is because a closer age gap meant automatic playmates/friends for the children or it is to get the sleepless nights over and done with as quickly as possible.
For me, I was just desperate to try and give Noah a sibling.
Noah and Eliza have a 25 month gap. We are not within the Two under Two threshold but close enough.
In the short span of 6 months, I can already see how much they adore each other. Noah is generous with his kisses and cuddles to his little sister, at times, a little bit overzealous. Tim and I are trying to find the balance between encouraging him with his affection and trying to stop him from trampling on her, which unfortunately he already has.
One time, Tim caught Noah riding on Eliza during her tummy time. No photos for evidence which is just as well. Tim was probably too busy rescuing Eliza from her brother!
Luckily, Noah loves playing with Eliza. He often keeps her company when she is doing her floor exercises. Tim, Noah and Eliza have recently developed a habit of going out to the lounge first thing in the morning, leaving me to sleep in a bit (Yey!) so that Noah and Eliza can do their exercises together!
When Eliza starts to fuss, Noah often tells me what Eliza might need. "Milk Mummy for Eliza" or "Put Eliza to bed Mummy". More often that not, he is right as to what she needs.
Eliza, in turn adores her kuya (older brother). She watches him with such warmth and delight in her eyes. You can tell that Eliza is watching and learning from Noah, absorbing and just itching to play with him. Occasionally she will also have a chat to him which never fails to melt my heart.
N & E, I hope that you will never stop adoring each other. I know that you will grow up driving each other insane, but I hope at the end of the day, you will continue to love and like each other.
If not, I will forever remind you of these moments...
Mummy loves you both very much X
