the siblings project {june 2018}

After debuting their new line up as a foursome last month, this past month has been all about getting to know the littlest ones better. We were so so lucky to go on holiday to Ibiza at the beginning of this month, and it was definitely just what we all needed to help us settle into our new family set up. 

I always feel like sibling relationships are strengthened by holidays. Yes, the fact there is so much together time brings it's fair share of arguments. But mostly it just brings so much opportunity to play together, learn together, explore together. And as parents it gives us the beautiful gift of time in which to sit back and watch those things happen. 

There are so many relationships at play now between my four. There's the older two, the younger two, the odds, the evens, the bookends and the sandwich fillings. And they are each so unique and special and fascinating in their own ways. 

With the older two it's always been more of an even playing field, with them being so close in age. And Dylan and Everly love each other fiercely, while also pushing each others buttons like no one else can. I love hearing their playground stories from school; where Everly has heard that Dylan got taken to the medical room and was worried, or where Dylan helped Everly to play in his game when she didn't want to play with her own friends anymore. 

The little two are so adorable to watch. Quinn has blossomed into her big sister role so beautifully. There are times when we have to remind about gentle hands, and that Wylder isn't a doll she can pick up and play with. But she simply loves cooing over him, and he has returned his affections by bestowing upon her his very first smile. My biggest dream while pregnant was that the younger two may get to have the close bond that the big two have, and I feel like they've definitely started out on the right foot. 

When it comes to my bookend boys; Dylan has continues to be the proudest big brother that anyone could ever ask for. He gets the most adorable look on his face whenever anyone talks about him being the big brother and what a special job that is. It's a job he's always taken very seriously. Throughout my pregnancy he was the most excited about a new baby, and Wylder's arrival made him downright emotional. He is just so happy to have another sibling, especially because it's a little boy. And he already talks to him about all the things he'll teach him as he grows up, and that he'll always be there to look after him. (This may have resulted in a wet eyed moment for me.)

Everly and Quinn's bond continues to make my heart swell. The sister thing was new and unfamiliar territory for me (having grown up with a brother) but I love seeing what they have. They are so similar in some ways, and so different in others. I simply love watching them play together now that they can both get so involved. Quinn is finally the little playmate that Everly has been waiting for her to grow into; someone who she can boss around, and who idolises her every move. Although I know without a shadow of a doubt that this relationship will be the one to keep us on our toes as parents... I suspect they'll drive each other mad as teenagers. 

Four children definitely has its stressful moments. But so did life with three... and two, and one. We just have to look at them though, to know that every new grey hair and wrinkle is worth it. They learn so much from sharing their lives with one another, and I really hope they'll look back as adults and see each other as the greatest gifts that we could have given them. They are certainly my greatest gift.

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