James, Karen, Lia and Matthew – a brother from a different mother

Matthew’s social skills are blossoming every day. He has many friends at school and constantly speaks about them at home. He’ll tell us who was crying at school and who got in trouble as well. We’ve been told by his teachers that Matthew is the “police” at school where he’s telling his friends what not to do and also tattles on them! I’ve had the privilege of observing his interactions at school. At this toddler stage, it’s expected that they are able to interact with each other but more on a parallel play then a cooperative play which is around 3 years old.

However, since birth Matthew and Connor have been in each other’s lives – more forced upon since their mommies and daddies are friends! But only 9 days apart, they have taken their first travels together at approximately 3 months, maternity leave outings to the mall, multiple dinner outings, and a trip to Hawaii together when they were just about one years old. Even though they do not see each other every day like their school mates, the friendship that is building between them brings a tear to my eyes! They are both constantly bouncing off of each others energy, they take turns being the leader and follower – a very equal partnership. I’m so impressed on their interactions together and can’t get over the fact how well they play together – quite like cooperative play!

Hopefully this is the beginning of a life long buddy!