One of those big no-nos when you are a parent of more than one child is to compare them. You’re just not supposed to do it. But you just can’t help it sometimes.

When Monkey 1 was born we were over the moon. Every little thing was new and exciting. Even poopy diapers were extraordinary events. “Look at the cute poopy!”

Things changed drastically for Monkey 2. “Ah, crap, another poopy. Ugh!” “Are you walking yet? Honey at your age your brother was walking.” I’m a horrible mother. You don’t need to leave nasty comments to remind me.

I’ve learned just how different two people can be in their first year, even when they share genes. Of course, sharing genes doesn’t mean they get the same ones. For example:


Here’s Monkey 1 at his first birthday. He’s cute, and little, and looky! He’s still in a high chair! WOW! And that stuff in the glass? That’s the family pride, the main reason I moved here—homemade bubbly. Yummy!


Here’s Monkey 2’s first birthday. (Please forgive the poor quality, but my camera is slowly starting to crap out and the light at the front of the house in January is nothing like the light in the back of the house in April.) She’s cute, not very little, and looky! No high chair! High chair? Are you out of your mind?


The differences are amazing, huh? Looks, personality, attitude, alcoholic tendencies…man those two are so different. And you know what? They ROCK!

PS: Anyone want to wager which kid takes after which parent?