One is Not Like the Other

I know it's not good to compare kids, but there are so many differences between Emma and Grace that I have been noticing lately, it's just too hard not to.  Neither is better than the other, and by no means do we play favorites.  But, there are just some unique things about them that I felt were worth remembering. 

Take eating, for example.  Feeding my babies has always been the biggest challenge of all, but for very different reasons.  When Grace was a baby, she had reflux so bad that she didn't want to eat because it just caused pain.  The doctor was constantly telling us to try to feed her more, and at 6 months, nursing had become so frustrating that we switched to formula.  To this day she eats like a bird, and is extremely picky!  Emma was born with a tongue problem that has resulted in her not being able to work well with a bottle, so nursing is the name of her game.  She has started solids and so far only dislikes peas.  I don't anticipate her being a picky eater.

While Emma is not fat or overweight, she definitely has baby chub in all the right places.  Full cheeks, a Buddha belly, and rolls on her thighs - all things that are cute when you're 6 months old!  Grace remains tall and lean, very lean.  We struggle to find pants that fit her because her waist is so small. 

Grace was never one to cuddle when she was a baby.  She has her clingy moments these days, and is never short on hugs or kisses.  But, the lovey moments are short-lived and she is usually on to the next thing.  I love when she wraps her little arms around me and squeezes me tight, it's the best!  Emma loves to be held and cuddled.  She likes her wiggle time, too, but never seems to try to get away when someone holds her.

Emma is very interested in grabbing things - objects, hair, glasses, noses, you name it.  Grace never really did this.  In fact I remember people telling me they were amazed that I could wear jewelry.  She never pulled on it!  Not a chance with Emma - those little hands are busy!

Grace and Emma are both pretty even-tempered.  They seem to adjust well to most situations and not many things upset them.  That is not to say that they are both quiet and soft-spoken.  Emma is hands-down the loudest baby I have ever heard in my life.  She screeches, squeals, and babbles at insane decibals.  All the while with a smile on her face - not always on mine at 6am, but such is life.  Grace, on the other hand, was a pretty quiet baby.  In fact she was pretty quiet overall until Emma came along.  Now she sings at the top of her lungs, squeals back in Emma's face (lovingly, of course), and talks over practically anyone having a conversation nearby.  I'm not sure if Emma encouraged Grace to find her voice or if this is typical two year old behavior.

Then there's the obvious appearance differences, too.  Grace is blonde with blue eyes (how did that happen?!) and Emma has brown hair with hazel eyes.  They both have a cute little nose and of course their mommy's big toe.  :)

One thing that remains the same with both girls is that they love each other.  Grace is able to make Emma smile and laugh in a way that no one else can.  Emma is able to turn Grace into a total cuddlebug as she showers her little sister with  hugs and kisses and love taps.  They make each other happy, and it almost seems as if life just wasn't complete until they had each other.