For years, we've been hearing various debates on which has more influence on the development of children: Nature or Nurture? I can easily say, without a doubt, that before I had my own children, I was a "snob" and quit to judge. I truly believed that we "reap what we sow"....
Ok, can I eat those words now?
The very moment my two children entered the world, I knew they would be quite different individuals. What I wasn't prepared for was HOW different! There are times where I wonder if they are even related???
Logan entered the world kicking and screaming. His cries were inconsolable. No amount of cuddling, swaddling, or various pacifiers could soothe him. He was ultra-sensitive from the beginning. He only liked certain bottles and nipples, he preferred being naked to having anything touch his skin, certain foods just didn't agree with him. Any noise would wake him. He was challenging.
London, on the other hand, came out and quietly took in her surroundings. In fact, she was so quiet that I kept asking the nurses and doctors for some kind of recognition that she was fine. I was used to the "screaming" kind. And by six years of Logan, it was actually comforting. It reasurred me that he was fine! With London, I was terrified that her stillness was a sign of distress. But to my joy and surprise, she was just fine. From the moment of her birth, she slept good and hard. She tolerated foods, she was happy and content.
They were just two very unique and different personalities. One no better than the other and neither without their challenges, but it was so apparent from their birth. Yes, as parents, we shape our children's views on the world and their belief and value systems, but I believe we have far less control on their personalities.
You get what you get! And I'm sure Baby #3 will be just as unique, challenging, and rewarding as the previous two!
