Her brother's keeper, his brother's keeper

This weekend, Dave texted me a photo of Max and Sabrina in the pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was similar to one that I loved from six years ago when we visited there, Sabrina clutching Max in her arms as they floated together. 

Lately, she's had to be there for him more than usual. At night, if I'm feeding Ben and Max wants to read a book, I ask her to do it with him. If I'm holding Ben and Max needs help opening something, Sabrina steps in. When we walk into the house and I've got Ben in the car seat and our shoes are wet, she'll remove Max's shoes in the foyer after she takes off her own.

I had no idea how the dynamics of having a baby in our house would work out; I figured Sabrina might help with Ben. She does, only as it turns out, she's also helping with Max. 

I try not to ask a lot; I'm very aware of not putting too much responsibility on her small shoulders. But Sabrina's not shy about speaking up when, say, she just doesn't feel like reading with him. I make it a point to have Max help her, too, like if she's reading in the living room and wants a cup of water, I'll ask him to walk it in.

Meanwhile, Max is doing his part with Ben. He is the self-appointed dirty diaper tosser, standing by as Dave or I change Ben. (And, yes, way to sneak in OT!) When Ben cries in the car, Max leans over and repeatedly says, "It's OK, it's OK, it's OK." 

Last night, as Ben lay on the changing table, I had to dash into our bedroom to grab a burp cloth. I asked Max to come over and place two hands on Ben. He's not rolling yet, but you never know.  

I came back a few seconds later to find Ben smiling and gurgling at his big brother.