Two ≠ One

When you’re a new parent, you have no idea what to expect.  You are initiated into a new world of protecting and raising this helpless infant without a coveted manual to guide you, hoping at each turn that you are doing it “right” and not scarring this perfect human for life.

So when you become a parent the second time…forget it!  You know exactly what you are doing, because it is Baby 2.0.  You prepare for the precious life during your pregnancy with anticipation of all the same experiences, now a seasoned veteran of how to handle “anything”.

The only problem is….someone forgot to tell the baby that they are supposed to be a clone of their older sibling.  This is the issue we ran into with our second child. 

I should have known that things would be different the second time around from the moment we got pregnant.  With #1 it was a struggle to conceive, one that took us 10 months to successfully achieve.  With #2 it was the first month, first try.  A blessing of course - just surprising.  Throughout my first pregnancy I read up on the tour schedule for Barnum & Bailey since I had an acrobat in my womb.  Number 2 moved once every few days & I swear I heard a faint “sorry” coming from my belly when he did.  With #1 I was induced due to lack of progress, but with #2 my water broke as I ran down the hall to use the bathroom a week before my due date. 

From the second my precious sons came into the world their personalities were defined.  My firstborn came out alert and watching everyone in the room not needing me or my husband to comfort him.  He was independent & strong, defying the norm and holding his head high as all the staff noted.  My second came out screaming like an adolescent girl on Space Mountain and did not stop for a good 25 minutes; I truly believe it is because he wanted to be put back in.  He was tiny, timid and scared.  I joke to anyone that asks that #1 came out of the womb running in the opposite direction of my husband & I while #2 came out and tried to claw his way back in.

Now as two happy toddlers who enjoy their time together, the balance they bring is refreshing.  On public outings #1 sees strangers as an opportunity to try out his new material – never thinking for a minute that this audience of people walking around the grocery store might have goals for their day other then listening to his retelling of the play-date we just left.  In contrast #2 is happy to sit patiently & observe the process of running errands.  But if said strangers smile, wave or dare to say “Hi” to #2, he will turn his head and stare in the opposite direction until they have left.

My husband & I have finally given up waiting for #2 to turn into #1.  As opposite as they may be, we have found that their individual strengths make them each perfect.  If you need a good laugh or someone to debate (a.k.a. argue) with, then #1 is your guy.  But if you need a hug and a good cuddle, then #2 is always ready.  Just don’t confuse them or you will scare the tar out of #2 and have to hog-tie #1 for him to sit still long enough for a snuggle.

They may be opposites, but don't tell them that...they think they are TWINS!!