Two of a kind?

I noticed it almost immediately, the difference between Mason and Mackenzie. Not the obvious difference but their distinctive, not so subtle approaches at life. Mackenzie was a quiet, content newborn. She would lie and look around the room, examining the faces of those around her as they cuddled her close. Rarely did she cry unless there was something truly wrong. When Mason was forced into the world, he let the world know he went by his own rules. He announced this by foregoing the usual newborn status quo ( laying in quiet awe of the bright and blurry world around,) and screaming from the second he could until he was taken down the hall, bathed and bundled and was being gently rocked in the arms of his daddy. I noticed it then and I notice it every day.

Mackenzie has always been more of a thoughtful creature. At nine months she would sit and flip the the pages of a basket of books for long periods of time. She listened to every rule and put it to memory ( so she could remind us all of them later). Mason has one mission- to touch, bash, bang or toss everything he can. When he finds something, he examines it for a second, throws it to the side and hunts for something new. Books are chew toys and something to be scattered about unless he's in the comfortably drowsy state just before bed and with a belly full of warm milk.

Mackenzie listening to a story at 5 months old

My little thinker takes a moment to cuddle.
She cuddles more now that she ever has.

Mason grinning at his pile of mess, a newspaper
he demolished

Mackenzie noticed ( and still notices) the tiniest things- a little bug skittering by, a tiny pebble that made it's way into the house. When holding her, she'd gently travel the crevices of your face. Mason doesn't stop moving long enough to notice the little things. He does love to sit and spin the wheels of his favorite helicopter toy but the second he's done, he's off again.  He is not a gentle boy at all. He's a hair grabber, face scratching  , screeching to get your attention, kinda guy. When he's drinking his bottle, he bangs and scratches his own head.  Despite all of that, you can count on him to gently lay his head on your shoulder and wrap his arms around your neck when you first pick him up. Sometimes he even doles out a much coveted kiss.

Mack, 7 months, examining her basketful of toys

In some ways, they are birds of a feather. Both kids are screamers. They love to make their voices heard but letting out high pitched squeaks when they are happy. They both love to be out and about, exploring new places. They both are quick to smile and laugh. Mack loves to play in the dirty and I think this summer will be full of fun days, chasing each other and playing in the sand box.

Regardless of how busy Mason is, when he's sitting still, his legs
are ALWAYS crossed but his toes still move.

I was warned about this difference from other mothers who have a boy and a girl.  I love that Mackenzie and Mason are so different and have their own unique personalities. I already know that I will have to create all new projects and activities that are geared for busy and more impatient hands thank Mackenzie's when Mason is ready. I still love that I can pull out a host of different crafty objects and Mack and I can spend the afternoon creating funny things. I truly have the best of both worlds and love seeing how each one will change and grow. Now that Mason is crawling and cruising furniture, life has suddenly gotten even more exciting! At least I have the help of Mother Hen Mackenzie who has a firm grasp on the rights and wrongs of the Long house.