I know I've touched on this before but, my children are different. Vastly different. I'm not talking just the physical differences that come with their genders and ages. I think I noticed these differences straight out of the gate.

They both were born with full heads of hair (Teagan's was wild where Gavin's was almost curly), both made quite the scene coming into the world (Gavin was born via emergency c-section and Teagan was born by c-section only to be rushed to the NICU for breathing issues). Anyway, Gavin was an easy baby. He slept through the night at 6 weeks, rarely fussed and was a first time Mother's dream. Teagan slept through the night at 12 weeks only after (in complete desperation to get some decent sleep) I put cereal in her bedtime bottle. Gavin loved the car from day #1. Maybe it was the constant noise, vibration and movement. He's always been more sensory aware but, he'd conk out within 5 minutes of the car moving. Teagan HATED the car. Maybe it was the restraints of the car seat. She would cry and cry and cry before finally, 5 minutes before we'd reach our destination, she'd settle down.  Gavin was a pacifier kid, Teagan hated the thing. She'd keep it in her mouth long enough to conk out but, the second she did, she managed to spit it out. I could sit Gavin down with blocks and little busy things, he'd play happily for hours. I never had to worry about him getting into things that were off limits. Teagan is only briefly occupied and darts off to find whatever "NO TOUCHIES" she can get her little hands on. Doors are kept shut, make up is hidden and yet, she still manages to find them and make her mess. Gavin potty trained in a weekend, Teagan has accomplished it, after 11 months( I kid you not-we started the day she turned 2). Gavin to this day, loves a good snuggle sessions, hugs and kisses. Teagan will plop in your lap for 2 minutes before she's had enough and is off on yet another adventure. Gavin is Oma's boy. The first grandson so, they share a special bond. Teagan loves her Oma but, she's fiercely loyal to being Poppa's girl. Teagan is flexible in our plans and schedules, where Gavin needs a warning. He's never done well with a wide open schedule. Gavin needs nurturing even during discipline. He's more sensitive and responds better to gentle redirection and talking things out. Spanking never really needs to happen with him, it's just not effective with him. Teagan needs firm, authoritative discipline. You give her an inch and she'll take 5 miles. Gentleness doesn't work for her.

As they've both gotten older, I have noticed (partly because of Gavin's ADHD) they have this insane need to be constantly moving. Maybe Teagan will settle down, maybe not. I find it amazing that, even with the same identical gene pool, they could be so different. I think as a parent, it's been  a constant challenge to remember they ARE different. They do need different things from me. It's been a challenge at times to figure out what makes them tick and who needs what from me. I love them equally but, oh so very differently. They've taught me in my own way, to be more open and flexible. I can't just deal with them the same, I'll pull my hair out from frustration if I try.

I am thankful for their differences. They each bring something so unique and different to my world. They'll each become their own unique people. Nothing makes me happier than that.