Zeldie's world shifted on September 26th when we brought our daughter home from the hospital. Previously, she had been an only child. Now, she was a big sister. Not only that, but a big sister to a human child who had all sorts of privileges that she did not such as sitting on the couch and the bed. At first, Zeldie was confused about where she stood. Especially with Daddy, who had formerly been her whole world and a source of undivided attention. This confusion caused much consternation for Zeldie. Eventually, she discovered not all changes were bad. Mommy stayed home for three months and during that time Zeldie went on more and longer walks than she had since she first came to our house as a puppy. Opa and Memaw, two sources of infinite euphoria for her visited more frequently. Food was spontaneously abandoned in accessible places in response to the baby crying. We did our best to convince her the baby was a good thing, letting Zeldie sniff her and give her kisses frequently and with minimal restriction. However, she remained aloof and undecided. Until, that is, this past month when the baby started moving of her own volition. Emily now makes talking sounds that resonate as loud screeching noises every time Zeldie approaches her or coos to get her attention every time Zeldie walks away from her. Zeldie is beginning to get a firm grasp on the conditions of being a big sister. In Zeldie's world this means that when the baby calls to her, she gives her kisses. And when the baby is on her tummy on the floor, her job is to push her nose under her arm and nudge her to roll over. The two of them are becoming good friends. In fact, it seems when Zeldie loses interest in her, Emily is a bit bored. And Zeldie, once the reluctant big sister, is blooming in her new role. We thought we saw evidence of this when the other day, Zeldie went to her toy basket, pulled out her tug of war rope and dropped it in front of Emily. Ever obliging, Emily grasped at the rope with all of her might and tugged as much as her little 18 lbs. would allow. Zeldie, demonstrating insightful perception, tugged back, but no more than was necessary to create just enough resistance for a taut rope. Zeldie, it seemed, was moderating her play to be gentle enough for the baby. Suddenly, being the big sister has become a lot more interesting.
