Christmas is coming

And we are ready!

School photos

Aren't they cute??

Likes and Dislikes

Jackson: school, reading, playing cards, dinosaurs, chocolate, pumpkin cake, baking, ninjago.

Jackson doesn't like: egg rolls, sour milk, his sister in his business.

Addie likes: Mary Poppins, playing with her dollhouse, pretending to read, Chinese food, art, her friend Bennett.

Addie doesn't like: going to school, sleeping all night in her own bed, listening to her brother.

Children's Museum

These kids have such a blast here!!!

Smart kid

Jackson plays Stratego with his Dad. It was quite the competition!! Both talked a big game and the boy almost overtook his dad!!

Different

I know I haven't been writing much lately, I've been busy with travel (more to come) and work!  I'll have to get you caught up on what the kids have been up to soon. 

For now I'm going to write about something I've been thinking a lot about lately: How different my two kiddos are.  They have both been raised by the same two people, in the same house, with mostly the same expectations.  Yet, these two are total opposites in many, many ways.

• As babies: Jackson needed to be held and rocked and would cry for long periods of time while we paced with him around our house.  Addie would hang out in her swing alone for hours before making a fuss. (Yes, I know that our parenting style likely changed with our infants since we had two)

• As toddlers: Most people will tell you when your kid is quiet there is trouble. Not with Jackson.  If it was quiet Jackson was likely in his room piled with books looking at the pictures.  It's Addie that's been know to write on the wall with pen, play with "stuff" that's filled her diaper and drop things into the toilet.

• And in general:

• Addie stays up until 10pm talking to herself. Jackson hits the pillow and falls asleep.
• Jackson can be entertained by listening to stories for hours. Addie doesn't pay attention for even five minutes.
• At age 3, Jackson would watch full length movies. Addie pays attention for 20 minutes, max!
• Addie is the first one awake in our house. Jackson would sleep until 9am if I let him.
• Jackson would like to stay inside and do crafts or play video games.  Addie would rather run outside and play!
• Jackson takes a long time to warm up to people.  Addie meets friends wherever she goes.
• Jackson likes playing dress up, wearing ties and hats.  Addie wants nothing to do with barrettes and rarely looks in her jewelry box.

I can't wait to see how these differences grow and change with them as they mature and how different or similar they will be as adults.

And a new haircut