My daughters are three years apart which means that my youngest is just the age where she is starting to drive her older sister bonkers. She emulates her big sister – wants to be where she is, wants to do what she’s doing, wants to go where she’s going. In itself, that is adorable – however, my seven year old doesn’t necessarily want her nearly four-year-old sister tagging along.

The Big Sister Adoration Committee results in a lot of bickering between my girls. I hate that sometimes I need to become the mother that says, “Quit looking at each other!” or “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!” It breaks my heart when my daughters hurt each other’s feelings or make each other cry.

Last night after I had tucked them in, my eldest came downstairs and said to me, “Mom, is it okay if Pumpkin comes to hang out in my room for awhile?” Stunned, I told her sure, and when I went upstairs a few minutes later, they were both sitting on The Princess’s bed talking about their day and flipping through books.

This morning, the girls scampered off and for twenty minutes the house was heavy with silence. They presented themselves in my office just moments ago. They were both dressed and ready for their day in outfits that coordinated. “We’re orange twins today, Mom!” my oldest exclaimed. “And tomorrow we’ll be wearing blue shorts with purple tops.” Then they both dashed off into the playroom, squealing with laughter.

Will this last? Ahhh, who knows. But for now? I’m enjoying their bond.