They are seriously in love. It is a love filled with silly noises, hugs, tickles, nonsensical conversations, and kisses. Lots of kisses.
They’ve been together every day for the past ten-and-a-half months. However, the long good-bye happened yesterday when Isabelle separated from Ari for the first time since he returned from the hospital at two days old. (Marc and I were taking Ari back to Pennsylvania while Isabelle was heading off to Connecticut to spend a few days with my in-laws.) Isabelle seemed fine about saying good-bye to us, but she didn’t want to let Ari go. Eventually, I put him in the stroller and a few more kisses later she departed.
Ari isn’t talking yet, but his actions showed that he missed Isabelle yesterday afternoon. For instance, he woke up from his car nap and cried. As the front-seat passenger, I was able to turn around to see what was wrong. I found him crying while staring aimlessly at the space to his left. Rather than seeing his sister’s smiling face in her car seat, he saw shopping bags. Despite my attempts to soothe him, it took me sitting in Isabelle’s seat for the remainder of the ride home so he wouldn’t cry.
This morning, I noticed Ari staring towards the place where Isabelle sits again. This time, I needed to be the driver so I couldn’t do much other than to say, “She’ll be back on Thursday.”
Thankfully, he didn’t cry during today’s car ride.
Raising Literate Humans 
This is so touching. Sweet boy. What an incredible bond they have developed. What an incredible big sister!
It is quite remarkable!
While both of them are doing fine apart from one another, watching how hard it was for her to separate from him was almost heartbreaking.
We saw Liam grow so much thanks to the blessing of Kieran in his life. No therapy in the world could match sibling love and relationships.
How sweet. Some day I’m sure you’ll have to remind them of these moments. My girls go back and forth between moments of bickering and adoration.
Oh no! Poor Ari missing his sister. I hope Isabelle has fun on her adventure and comes back soon!
She FaceTimed today to talk to him (not to me).
You have captured the power of siblings. It is amazing the bond they have at this early age – but then Ari does not know life without Isabelle’s smile!
You’re so right, Anita! He was searching for her in the backseat again today.
This us lovely. I know how Ari and Isabelle feel about one another. Yesterday was my brother’s birthday. I posted 54 “Happy Birthdays” on his FB tumeline, and last night we talked for a long time, mainly about writing I’m doing and today’s Slice. We are close, this brother and I. Lately, I’ve been missing him more than usual, and I sense he feels the same. Five years and a parent separate us, but there is an unspeakable bond.
So lovely, Glenda. Thanks for sharing this with me.
Even though they cannot talk, you know they are missing someone that’s always been there. What a sweet post, Stacey. I hope Isabelle has a good time in her visit!
A change in routine is difficult for anyone at any age, more so when you can’t understand what is going on. Although there may be times when Isabelle and Ari want their separate time and space this loving bond they now share will never be broken.
He might not be talking yet, but he made himself very clear. I can only imagine how happy he will be to see her on Thursday.
My mom calls them partners in crime. So, he’ll have his partner in crime back on Thursday. 😉
Oh so hard for a little one to understand the change in routine. He will be so happy when she returns. Amazing the bond they create. My two kids are adult and I see this bond still. A photo of a beer posted by my daughter with the line this appears when you know someone who works here. I know she was sitting at the cafe where her brother works. They still look out for each other after all these years. Stacey you have years of bonding to watch – enjoy them!!
It’s become one of my favorite things to watch, Joanne.
The bond between your two little ones is precious! Enjoy your one on one time with Ari while Isabelle has time with her grandparents. They are both so lucky!
He’s getting lots of extra attention from us to make up for not having it from his sister.