Cola loves his big brother

There are a few touching moments when one suddenly come to the realisation that the "baby" is no longer a "baby" anymore. Like the time a few months ago, in the thick of the night, "baby" Cola comes onto our bed, and we asked each other, "Which kid is this? So big and so heavy!" For a moment, in our semi-consciousness, we couldn't tell which kid is actually lying on our bed.

Such a big contrast with Cola as a newborn, just not too long ago, when he's all pink, limp and tiny in the hospital ward. While EggEgg came to visit, only then did I realise how big and strong EggEgg has grown. Today, their strength match each other.

Or the other time when I saw them both standing on a stool, brushing their teeth together before bed. Their innocent faces reflect the same earnestness and concentration with their toothbrush. Another milestone of maturity.

Or like today, when they were both sitting next to the kitchen bench, waiting for dinner to be ready; meanwhile laughing, chatting and making real conversation with each other.

"Which spoon do you want?" "Cola want this!"

"Ok here's your spoon. This is mine. Haha. Let's fight with the spoons!" "Fight, fight!"

Cola's 2 years old now. He's highly articulate and could express himself in 4-word sentences. "Where's your big brother?" "Big brother is playing ball in the garden."

How could 2 kids grow up in the same environment, yet turn out to be so different?

His favourite color is yellow, and EggEgg's blue.

His interest is in animals, and EggEgg's into cars.

He's an artist, delivering slow and deliberate strokes of color into his work. EggEgg couldn't draw without precise instructions and hand-holding.

He's clumsy as ever, rolling out of bed at night (thus bruising his feet, his lips) and stumble often as he walk.

He's still a bloody picky eater. EggEgg just gulps down whatever we serve.

But how he adores his big brother in spite of these superficial differences! On the days EggEgg is at pre-school, Cola misses him dearly. "Let's pick up Big Brother from school!", Cola would suggest by lunch time.

Even when we play boardgames alone, he'd set up EggEgg's favourite blue-colored pawn and reserve his spot. "Blue is for Big Brother."

I offered to put on a DVD for him as I do the dishes. "Would you like to watch Toy Story now or later with EggEgg?" "Wait for Big Brother." And even with his favourite treats, "Do you want to eat ice-cream now or later with EggEgg?" "Wait for Big Brother."

And I'm happy to report, their affection is mutual.

There's no other love like the love for a brother.

There's no other love like the love from a brother.

~Astrid Alauda