Caring & Responsible James

A couple of nights ago, I stayed up until 3.30am to finish some paperwork.  When I walked into our bedroom ( we're currently "bunking" in my parents' granny flat and thus, my husband and I are sharing ONE bedroom with all three boys), my 21 month old light sleeper woke up crying.  

In an attempt to pacify him quickly so as not to wake up the rest of my family, I took him into our bed.  He couldn't go back to sleep and he was tossing and turning for such a long time.  Meanwhile, I was in and out of sleep until around 6am, when the little one woke up again, this time asserting his right to breastfeed (our deal is, "no sun, no dede - feeding").  

Our eldest son, James (7) had just woken up and I found him lying in Adam's cot next to our bed, his hand poking through the gaps to soothingly pat Adam's hand.  He said, "I'll take care of Adam, mum.  You can go back to sleep."  I thanked him but encouraged him to go back to sleep.  Next thing I know, Adam was wanting to sleep with James.  James took his baby brother to his own bed and played with him there and finally, I slept for a straight one and half hours, just enough to tackle the rest of the day that was about to unfold.

I really can't believe how much James has matured!  He is absolutely beautiful and I thank God for him everyday.

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This morning, James was ready to brush his teeth when I heard him telling David (5), "David, you left some crust with ham in it still.  Go and finish your food."  David, surprisingly came back to the kitchen to do as he was told.  Then, James came out with David's toothbrush in his hand.  He put toothpaste on it and gave it to David.  Wow!