The Evolution of a Protective Big Brother

Gavin has always been a great big brother. Even when we brought home Grayson and Gavin was only 13 months old he was concerned for his little brother's well being. He has insisted on pushing the stroller, helping give him toys before he could crawl, give him his binky when it fell, share books in the car, and many more examples of brotherly love.
A couple of days ago we took the boys to McD's for lunch and play time. In the past Grayson couldn't life his legs up to the ramp to enter the play maze so he would just run around and eagerly await Gavin's swift exit from the slide. This all changed on Monday. Grayson walked up to the entrance ramp and lifted his little chubby leg up and this time he got it on the ramp and quickly he lifted the other leg and (TADA) he was in the maze. He looked back at me with sheer joy and excitement (visualize his precious smile and amazing dimples with a giggle here). As soon as he lifted his other leg Gavin sprinted over to him, grabbed him by his waist and started pulling him out with his toddler bruit force strength. Grayson shrieked and starting pulling himself back into the maze with his arms. I ran to his rescue and told Gavin to stop. Gavin looked up at me with honest concern and stated "Mommy, no, no. Sayson too little, Sayson too little, he baby, too little Sayson. He get hurt." Ah, so it wasn't just a feisty attempt at not wanting to share the maze, but more a protective move on Gavin. I explained to Gavin that Grayson is growing up and he wants to be just like his big brother and Gavin needs to show him how to be a big boy. The next few minutes warmed my heart. I sat back down and watched as Gavin took Grayson into the maze, walked him up the stairs and talked to him the entire time. Gavin did not enter the top maze, instead he walked Grayson back down. They did this 3 times. Gavin never went through the maze on top he only helped teach Grayson how to get into the stairs and walk up.
I am always proud of Gavin, but to see him be protective and have genuine concern for Grayson's safety, well, I know I was beaming as I watched my boys as a proud Mom.

Way to go Gavin!! And way to grow up Grayson!!