My Bodyguard

I'm sure you all know that we're working really hard on helping Gabe learn to share, play nicely with Zach, etc.  As a result, Gabe often needs "breaks" (a.k.a. time out) from toys or activities, and I feel badly for him that things are so hard right now.  Well, Zach is just starting to assert himself more and in a physical way.  Last Friday, he bit Gabe (lightly), I've seen him push and hit Gabe, and he's been hitting J and me a lot lately.  We've both been clocked in the face with his paci more times than I care to admit.  He's also hit me in the face with a (wooden) train one too many times.  While I get a kick out of this behavior - I just find it super cute to see his temper evolving - I'm also tyring to discipline him. 

So, long story longer, Zach was sitting on my lap in the playroom today when out of the blue he clocked me in the face with his wooden train.  I told him no and took him off of my lap.  In the background, Gabe's shouting to Zach that he needs a break.  Often, Gabe laughs when Zach misbehaves, and he gets a huge kick out of it when I give Zach a time out/break.  I don't blame him, since he's usually the one getting into trouble.  Anyway, today Gabe told Zach that he was the protector, that big boys protect their mommas.  He pulled a chair over to wear I was sitting, draped his arm over my arm, and pretty much blocked Zach from touching me.  Then he looked up at me and said, "I'm protecting you, Momma."  That moment was priceless.

Here's a picture of my bodyguard: