March 2014

She did it!  She finally rolled over.

I feel like I've spent nearly this entire month eagerly waiting for Abby to meet this milestone, and I don't know why exactly.  For the last few weeks she's been so close.  According to books and charts, she just barely met the "deadline."  It took her a month longer than it took Bruce.  But she did it.

I knew she would.  

And she's a pro at it now.

The funny thing is, I don't feel guilty about my comparisons between babies, or buying into medical norms for that matter - I think that's just how our brains work - we need to compare, categorize and analyze in an effort to make sense of things.  I just think it's interesting which things my brain occupies its time comparing and categorizing these days.

I find myself comparing myself with other mothers.  And I compare Charlie with other fathers.  Then there's comparing my Littles with other Littles.  And now that I have two children, I find myself comparing my babes with each other all the time, too.

And through the process, I am both affirmed and assured, as well as motivated and inspired.  There are definitely things to be proud of, and always areas to grow in.

Some of the things I've noticed?

Her face is rounder than his.

Neither of them ever quit moving.  Both of them struggle with digestion issues.  Both of them are early risers.  They both love my hair, but Bruce is much more gentle...  She babbles more than he did as a baby.

For some reason, my babies don't like the Moby wrap, but they love the Bjorn carrier.

They both light up when music is playing.

They both seem to show interest in animals, especially cats.

visiting the Oklahoma Youth Expo

I love how curious Bruce is.  Right now he is crazy interested in skeletons.

The dance between being afraid of monsters yet strangely attracted to their darkness seems universal.

wanting to watch "Frankencelery" but not wanting to see it...

Why do they even bother manufacturing baby toys when all babies seem to just want to play with whatever random thing you can pull out of a kitchen drawer?

okay, so she likes conventional toys, too...

Bruce can't catch a ball.  He can't jump with both feet off of the ground either, but we're having fun practicing that skill on our neighbor's trampoline.

Boys love cars and trucks and things that go.

driving an RV - crossed that off the Bucket List

Boys also like pink and flowers and things that are fancy.

his crocus bulbs are finally blooming!

having a tea party like Mr. Tiger from one of our storybook adventures

Little girls are sugar and spice and everything nice.  But raising one isn't always all cuddles and giggles.

There's something about being outside in great weather that makes everyone happier.

No matter the weather, my little guy wants to be outside.

what a crazy "Spring" we're having...

Both of my kids love when their Daddy comes home.

When the day is done, I can't say that all of my comparisons have helped me figure it all out - but I do feel like it helps me know and appreciate my kiddos a little more.  They're pretty great.