A Healer’s Geste

Cheerful, Perceptive, Neat Jaeger

Although his infancy belied such a possibility, Jaeger is an amazingly cheerful boy. He wakes up with the biggest grin on his face and his eyes so wide in joy that his eyebrows almost pop off his head.

He loves and adores Hans. He wants to be just like Hans when he grows up. In fact, it was only after he was mobile, capable of eating solid foods, able to vocalize and express himself in semi-intelligible tones, and play alongside Hans that he became cheerful. He watches and copies Hans. He laughs at all Hans jokes. He wants to do everything Hans does and play with everything Hans plays with. Hans takes to heart the deep compliment of imitation and generally acts the knowing, benevolent older brother.

Jaeger is amazingly cognizant, as well. With Hans we begin disciplining around this same age, taking on advice and belief that he understood us. We had clues, but it was still difficult to discern at times. Somehow, it is not to difficult this time. It is now second nature for us to use correcting phrases, “No, that’s not polite, ask politely.” “No fussing.” Jaeger understands everything we say to him. He has seen all the phrases and the proper response (or the consequences of inappropriate responses) modeled, and he has been an attentive audience. I have allowed him to be witness to disciplinary scenes. I believe this has helped him gain prudence. We still are having difficulty with the command “come here,” as we did with Hans at this age — the first real obedience test. If I request my keys returned to me or command him not to touch the CD player in his bedroom no amount of rebuke or hand slapping will avail. He is stubborn and will not be crossed in such matters. Yet he will shake his head and nod his head always accurately; you can trust him to mean what he says. He responds appropriately with little error. He knows what he is to do and, with the noted exceptions, does it or flagrantly displays his resolve to do otherwise. There is rarely confusion or indecision on his face. He truly understands. He does joy in obediently responding and receiving praise; he loves to be told “good job” and given a high five, rub on the head, or a pat on the back. Such reward almost assures a repeat of whatever action triggered it.

Then the other night a new side was revealed. Jaeger has learned what “picking up” means by context and modeling. He, as is consistent with all I’ve said above, enjoys picking up toys alongside Hans. Well, Hans had gone to bed because he didn’t want to eat his dinner and claimed a stomachache for excuse. It being 45 minutes from bedtime, we decided if his stomach hurt too much to eat, he needed the extra rest. He would have been alright with it if Jaeger had also gone to bed. Jaeger staying up longer than him is what cut. Jaeger didn’t much like it himself, concernedly pointing down the hallways where Hans’ complaints originated. However, after sitting disoriented for a few minutes, he made a cheerful “Aye!” and determinedly made a beeline for a grouping of duplos a yard away. He picked two up and headed half a yard in another direction, straight for the duplo box. He sat up and threw them directly in. He held up his hands with pleasure, saying in his expression, “Look at what a good boy I am!” He was duly praised and quickly continued his work. Without being asked, without being prompted, he alone picked up 2/3 the entire duplo collection, which had all been spread about the living room. All he required was being told “Good job” after each and every clatter of a duplo hitting the bucket.

Hans is a bright, cheerful, inquisitive little guy, but Jaeger will be an interesting personality to follow as well. He is not the same, and he is not completely different. It is so fun to watch individuality bloom.