A brother's love

Ok, here is my blog about Jared and Claire. Now, I will start out by saying that Carter treats Claire incredible. He is a wonderful big brother to her in every way. But there is something special about Jared and Claire's relationship. The first picture reminds me of the early days. Carter was in school and Jared was home with me and Claire. Now, coming from an orphanage, Claire was not use to being touched or held a lot. And that is exactly what Jared wanted to do-hold and touch Claire ALL the time. She slowly learned to get use to it. Jared was never jealous of Claire and the attention she was given. As they have gotten older the relationship has become even more sweet. Jared has never got mad at Claire. When she was younger and if she was getting into his stuff, he would gently and sweetly tells her not to touch. He speaks to her in a manner that you see a parent or teacher speak to a child-very sing song like. He wants to help her with anything, especially if it involves picking her up. He answers all her silly questions with the patience I wish I had. He loves to play with her, even if that means having a tea party. I find it interesting that when he plays with her, he does it like an adult would. You can tell he doesn't really enjoy everything they do, but he is just happy to be with her and finds joy in making her happy. And of course he does get her to do some things he likes too. If she needs something, he will get it for her. If she needs help with something, he will help her (he fixes her breakfast for her every morning). If she is hurt, he will comfort her. If she is lagging behind, he will wait on her. If she is getting a punishment, he will stick up for her and even cry when she is crying. If she is tired, he will tuck her in bed. If she wants to read, he will read to her. If she wants to go first, he will let her. If she is mean to him, he will forgive her. If she is sad, he will do anything to make her happy. We joke and say that he should be called Papa Jared because he really is another father to her. A few years ago after a fun night out at a restaurant Jared asked me how Claire became the one we adopted. He asked if we picked her. When I explained that we were just matched up with her by the workers in China he said, "I am so glad we got her".