inDefinitions: Brothers

For the first time I really feel like I'm beginning to parent brothers instead of just sons. I spend all day vigilantly separating, correcting, refereeing, debriefing, time-out(ing), and doing damage control with these two little ones. Toby, on his own, is quite content to play independently exploring his world and sucking on every little thing. He is not easily excitable and seems to enjoy quiet, focused, solitude where he is left to simply wander and figure things out. Silas, on his own, is more demanding wanting Mommy to watch and see and experience everything he does. However, he can sometimes be counted on to play with his legos alone or is incredibly engaged and fun to do activities with.

But (cause there is always a but), when these two boys are in the same room [which we have been forced to be due to our kitchen renos], here comes trouble. Silas is ever in Toby's face grabbing his feet, bonking his head, pushing him over, taking his toys, commanding his attention, and telling him what to do. This makes Toby cry and whine. If it's not Silas instigating, then Toby is ever into Silas's toys. Whenever Silas finally gets into something like making lego towers or the like, Toby is right there beside him eyeing the same toys, crawling on his lego, grabbing things, pushing them over- not to be thwarted or distracted from his main mission: get whatever Silas has.

When did these boys get like this?

I mean it's cute that they like to be together -right? It's cute that Silas wants Toby to chase after him after he takes his walker- right? It's cute that Silas likes to pin Toby like a pancake to hug and kiss him-right?

Okay okay, it's not all bad. It's cute that when I go to wake up Silas (with Toby in tow) Toby grins hugely and that Silas tries to make Toby laugh.

But generally speaking, why can't they just leave each other alone? I can't really ever leave the two of them alone in a room for even. one. minute. Peeing in privacy? Nope. Washing dishes in the bathroom? Nope. Running up the stairs to grab something? Nope.

grrrrrrrrr.