Same same but different

I remember my mother-in-law saying to me once, the one thing that surprised her most about motherhood was the individual personalities of all her kids. They all four were so different and it was something they were born with, nothing to do with how she raised them.

At the time I think I probably just rolled my eyes and thought 'Of course, we're all different people'.

Now, that I see my two girls together, I realise what she meant. My girls are incredibly close and have many similarities, but there are parts of their personalities that are completely different. Such as, the way they react to certain things or situations. Their outlooks and how they cope. I'm constantly amazed and surprised by them. Sure certain things are due to their different ages and developmental stages, but there are some core parts of their personalities that are unique to them alone.

Lil-lil is creative, imaginative and thoughtful, she's impatient with life but can sit back and watch the world with enthusiasm. She worries about people and is very perceptive. Goosey is methodical and clever. She fearless and wants to dive into life head first, but she also has the patience of a saint. She can also dance like it's no-one's business.

I've now realised is it's the secret to enjoying parenthood – discovering their little personalities as they discover them for themselves. Seeing them blossom into people, watching how they find their niche in the world. What they enjoy, how they do tackle things, what lights up their eyes. Best of all, it's just the beginning.

Image by Gabor Palla