In toddler world, older kids are gods. And in baby world, toddlers grace the cover of the baby version of Tiger Beat. Jonas is lucky - he's got his very own toddler idol rooming just down the hall.
Sometimes, as parents, we delude ourselves into thinking we're important. I give Jonas milk - not just give it to him, I make it. I change his diaper, I wipe his butt, I bathe him in the sink without bonking his head on the faucet, I smile and laugh with him. Those things seem pretty important. Life-sustaining, even.
But I'm nothing compared to a walking, talking, be-bopping older brother.
If there are six people in a room, Jonas will seek out Axel and follow his every move. If Axel moves out of his line of sight, Jonas will start screeching until he's turned around and can see Axel again. When Axel plops down next to him on the floor, Jonas grins; when Axel gives him a hug, Jonas tries to slobber on his head. When Axel reaches out to hold his brother's hand, Jonas grabs right back.
I often admonish Axel to be gentle and not smother the baby, but Jonas doesn't really seem to mind. Unless it's a full out smackdown WWF move directed at the head, Jonas seems pretty happy just to be near his brother, to watch him stacking Legos and nibbling on pretzels. He sees Axel as the best source of entertainment around, and the most important resident of the house. He looks at him and thinks, "Wait a second. That guy, he's only got 10 lbs on me, and he's --- WALKING! Did he just grab that block and stack it on top of that other block without hitting himself in the eye? He has teeth and he chews up his food and keeps 80% of it in his mouth! He's a genius!"
Axel returns this adoration. He tries to shove pieces of salami in the Jonas' mouth, both real and imaginary. He runs over to Jonas and does an interpretive dance that involves chanting the word bus and doing the wave with his arms before spinning around, falling on his stomach, and crying out, "Oh no!" before desolving into giggles at his own antics. Jonas is the perfect audience for his one man physical comedy routines. The two of them are already starting to work on lady killing - Jonas will let out a coo, Axel will wave and grin and announce "Brother", and check out ladies will swoon and offer free snacks.
As much as they love each other, I adore watching them together. This brotherhood stuff? Apparently, it's pretty good.
