The Assimilation of Hush

Sometimes people ask me how Hush and the minions get along.  I can’t help but smirk. 

You’ll be relieved to know I’ve been sneaky with my camera and have caught some amazing moments between the kids and their new stepdad-to-be.  Hush doesn’t know a lot of these pictures were taken, as is evident by the fact that he’s NEVER looking at the camera. 

And when he sees all of these he’ll probably say, “BAYby!  You’re ruining my street cred!”

If you make it all the way to the bottom of this saccharine cuteness overload tomorrow I’ll explain to you why I call him Hush.

 

Silas

Silas and Danny have an amusing relationship.  Si is at that age where he’s testing his limits of what will be allowed.  He’s mischievous and a little bit manipulative, but it comes from a very childlike need to be kissed and hugged and adored.  I love watching Silas run to Hush to be thrown up in the air.  Si only lived with Houdini for about three months and has a very significant attachment to Grandpa Jim and Grandma Pam, which is where we were living during those formative bonding months of his infancy (Silas cried and moped when Pam and Jim came for a visit and then left).  He’s a little bit emotional and more reticent than Jude at taking physical risks.  Hush pushes him to try climbing and doesn’t allow Si to get away with his typical youngest child “I can’t!”  Silas treats Hush like he is his parent – testing him in a way that children only do when they feel safe.

Mirrored walking.

Danny feeling awkward while Silas lays all his love on him.  It’s so funny to watch my minions pour their love onto this initially unsuspecting man.  

Mimi

Mimi is the most aware of her interactions with Hush.  She and I talk a lot about how she should behave and what to think.  It’s been particularly interesting because Hush is very very hands off and does not try to suck up to the kids at all, which has earned their trust and respect.  Mimi didn’t know if she was allowed to sit by him or touch him at all, but she craves positive male interaction every day and wants him to pay a lot of attention to her.  Hush intentionally praises Mimi when she’s within earshot and she loves every word.  When Hush and I hug or sit by each other she has started shoving herself between us to get love from both of us at the same time.  Mimi and Houdini have a pretty foundational bond, but Hush and I are teaching Mimi what it’s like to have a father figure around on a daily basis.  She has become very happy and comfortable learning solid boundaries and appropriate attention getting methods. 

Jude

And then there’s Jude.  Jude is generally introverted.  He needs his time away to do his own things by himself.  He’s very independent, unlike Mimi and Silas who prefer company.  Since we’ve moved here Jude is a different man.  Jude and Hush are buddies and they share common interests in Batman, rock climbing, and doing man things.  I often think Jude was intended to be raised by Danny because they have similar temperaments and just vibe really well together.  Jude’s tougher, more trusting, and more self confident with Danny around as though he has to man up and impress him.  Hush takes the time to show Jude how to do things: digging holes, climbing trees, throwing a ball around, doing parqour, playing the guitar.  I particularly like that Jude doesn’t associate Hush with going to Target and getting stuff, which is a bad habit Jude had come to associate with all grown men.  They do activities together instead.

 

 

Stay tuned for part two tomorrow – how this all happened.