Reading with your brother

Yesterday I was at my MOPS meeting listening to a speaker when my phone rang.  It was Harry's teacher.  They were at the book fair at school and Harry was wanting to buy a science kit rather than a book.  I sent him with instructions about what he could/should buy and science kit wasn't on it, so she was calling to make sure it was okay.  First I asked if he had chosen a book for Robert (which was the main reason for the list of what he could buy).  He had already chosen a book for Robert, so I said it was fine (what's one more science kit among the dozens we have).  It isn't like I am worried about Harry reading - he often has his head stuck in a book and our bookshelves are overflowing already.  I was really just trying to make him think about somebody else (Robert in this case).  He wasn't thrilled and said it was his bookfair.  So we talked about it and how it is nice to do something for others and all that.

Well for once, my idea was a roaring success.  When Harry got home he unpacked his backpack right away and gave Robert his book.  Then he said, "Robert, do you want me to read it to you?" and they both divested themselves of all their gear, got up on the couch and settled in for a read.  Robert was thrilled and grabbed puppy and blanket to really cuddle up to a good book.

That was one of those bonus moments of parenthood.  Harry has been able to read now since about September.  At any time he could have picked up one of the many books around and read one to Robert.  I have suggested it and it has always been to no avail.  But yesterday, under his own steam, he read his little brother a book and not a simple baby book either.  It was lovely.  I wandered about in something like a daze and picked up their books, jackets, hats, mittens and put them away without a single complaint or reminder that I am not in fact the house slave.  I was just so thrilled to watch this little moment unfold.  Then I sneaked in with my camera and took these shots of the momentous occasion.