sibling rivalry

the girls are getting old enough now that they have really started to play together and its wonderful! They will play with their dolls together or play with the doctor kit or with their toy kitchen. I absolutely love when they are getting along, playing cooperatively and being so cute with each other. Ladybug dotes on her big sister and follows every suggestion she makes and Butterfly is sweet, showing her how to play with a certain toy or asking for her help.

On the other hand, they are fighting more than ever. Each has a possessive streak that shows up only when they really want to push each other's buttons. Butterfly can be mean and bossy and Ladybug is a mischievous little imp who likes to tease her big sister just for fun. They sometimes tease and fight until one or both of them cries. Butterfly is bigger and can squish Ladybug when she wants to be mean but Ladybug has learned to fight back in her own way--biting. As much as I try to discipline the behavior, I typically don't feel bad when (for example) Butterfly torments and teases until Ladybug, in frustration, retaliates and bites her sister. Once I intervene, they are both good at apologizing and can play together again. Most of the time, they fight because they are bored, like on a day when we haven't really done anything special and their attitudes are significantly improved by a trip to the park or going for a walk.

Miscellaneous updates:
--Ladybug is recovering and doing well. She was fussy and cranky on friday (the day of surgery) and was so intermittently on Saturday (mostly just wanted daddy to cuddle her) but seems to be back to being herself again today.) She hasn't even needed any tylonel today and actually is pretty good about letting us put the ear drops in her ears.
--I am a lizard. My sunburn finally started to peel and while I find it rather repulsive, Butterfly is fascinated and wants to know why there's a "wrapper" on my legs.
--I have concluded that I will never fit into my pre-pregnancy dresses again because this child has permanently increased the size of my rib cage by several inches I'm sure. It's not the kicking that has become so uncomfortable but just the constant pressure of baby running out of room. Fortunately, there is a remedy for that. Unfortunately, I still have several weeks to go. In the meantime, I am seriously considering having my lower ribs removed.