A Great Partnership

I just love watching these two sisters interact with one another and develop their sweet little relationship. That's not to say that Hannah never gets frustrated with Rachel and they never fight, but Hannah loves her baby sister and I'm so glad that they have each other. They need each other.

Hannah needs Rachel:

• Rachel is one more person for Hannah to talk to. Hannah talks all day every day, so to have someone follow her around and hang on her every word is priceless (ie. you couldn't pay me to do it!)
• Hannah has a soft, nurturing heart and I'm so happy that she has someone to "practice" on. When Rachel is upset or hurt, Hannah is almost in tears herself anguishing over her sister's pain. It's the sweetest thing to watch Hannah "mother" and fuss over someone else the way she does to Rachel. If she didn't have a younger sibling, how would she ever develop this trait?
• Hannah KNOWS that Rachel loves, respects and adores her. Everyone wants to know they are loved...and by as many people as possible. Because Hannah knows she is loved by her little sister her self esteem is strong and she is growing more confident in herself every day.
• Hannah gets to call the shots...for now, anyway. Hannah wants to make all of the decisions and be in control all of the time. I have to remind her, on occasion, that I'M the mom which she is grudgingly learning to accept. However, when she's playing with Rachel, she gets to make the decisions - what to play, how to play, etc. which satisfies her need to "boss" and Rachel is more than happy to oblige. I know this will change someday and Rachel will not want to go along with everything Hannah says, but for now it is a blessing...for all of us!

Rachel needs Hannah:

• Attention, attention, attention. Rachel is the youngest of five children, so I obviously am unable to devote constant attention to any one of them, even her. Thankfully, Hannah (and her brothers) give her plenty. With the boys in school now, Rachel has a constant companion in Hannah!
• Rachel is being positively reinforced. It's become apparent to me, over the last few months especially, that Rachel is a total goofball! She is destined to become the family clown and every family has one. Whenever Rachel says or does something silly, the kids (mostly Hannah) roar with laughter until she does it again, and again, and again. She's like a performing monkey and Hannah's training her well!
• Rachel likes to be taken care of, and Hannah likes taking care! Win/Win.
• Rachel is the lucky recipient of Hannah's expertise... in all things princess, ponies, babies, Barbies, reading, writing, Dora, Diva, drawing, jewelry, fantasy and fairytale. Thanks Hannah.
  

You two deserve each other!