Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Opposites Attract

Joe and I laugh pretty much daily over how different Charlie and Lily's personalities are. Charlie is just so, so chill. He'd be happy to sit on my lap all day long and gaze around. Give him a binky and he'll do whatever you want. He is patient and super easy going. Even in the middle of a fussing/crying fit he'll often stop to smile at us. However, no one would describe Lily as chill. She is incredibly active - always wiggling and moving and flailing about. The other night Joe and I sat and watched as she turned herself in a complete circle around the playmat. And she's always tossing her legs to one side and turning her head super far - if we blew on her she would roll over.

Lily recently "found" her cry. Up until a few weeks ago both babies had pretty weak cries due to prematurity and many weeks on the ventilator. Now that they are bigger and stronger though they can YELL! And Lily does! She's learned that crying gets a response. She'll cry hysterically, but as soon as I bend down to pick her up she stops. She's also become incredibly impatient. She knows when it's bottle time (I put both babies in the pack n' play beforehand while I warm the bottles and change diapers) and starts to scream immediately. She whips her arms and head around in the pack n' play, often slugging Charlie in the process, and won't calm down until we put her bib on her. Charlie, on the other hand, also knows when it's bottle time but unlike Lily this knowledge makes him happy instead of angry. He'll lay in the pack n' play smiling and gurgling and patiently waiting, even while Lily is beating him up. We can't wait to see how they interact with each other when they're a little older!

Bottle time! Charlie is happy to wait for a nice warm bottle. Lily? She wants it NOW!
"Lily, Lily, Lily - good bottles come to those who wait."
Lily isn't always cranky. Once you've done what she wants she is happy as can be!
Charlie's typical expression - cool as a cucumber.

12 comments:

Joy said...

"cool as a cucumber" just totally made me grin like a fool. He's awesome!

Lily.. well, her feist will serve her well!

Lauren said...

I don't think Joe (or big brother Charlie) will have to worry about the boys (Daniel? lol) who come after Lily - she can handle them fine on her own. She don't need no one to protect her. ;)

Colleen said...

I'm pretty sure the universe may explode when Lily and Abbie meet - I think they are the same person! She totally does everything you just described...except without the smiles yet :(

Erin @ OneParticular Kitchen said...

Oh mah GAH! They're getting so cute and fat and happy! Well, when they're not STARVING TO DEATH (my kiddo was very Lily-like when waiting for bottles; I feel your pain ;) ). LOVE them! Keep the pictures coming!

JoLynn said...

That is exactly how my twins are! I put them in the crib together for a nap and 5 minutes later, Sara is still fussing and flailing. I walk in there to check on her. Adam is snuggled up next to her getting smacked in the head...sound asleep! It's like the abuse puts him to sleep!

Hopeful34 said...

GOsh they are soooooooooo cute!!!Glad to see them doing so well :)

sue said...

What cuties!

Michele from FTHS said...

They are just too cute for words. Go, Diva Lily, go!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am hysterical right now... And Charlie's cool as a cucumber pose is awesome...

All My Love, Auntie :) xoxoxox

TeenTim (from the Nest) said...

I love your kids smiles. You always make me smile when I come to read your blog. Even during the sad times, the love you and Joe and your whole family have is just so heart warming.

--Tina (aka TeenTim from the Nest)

Anonymous said...

The picture of Lily with the huge smile--- adorable! The boys had better not mess with her or Charlie will kick their butts!

Cheryl

Cindy said...

I always am amazed how quickly a child's personality emerges. Adorable photos!