Compare & Contrast

Some parents strive hard not to compare their children. I actually delight in it. It is so much fun to see how God has created these two little creatures so differently. Here are some things I have noticed and “predictions” I have about each of them.

Physical Appearance

Tessa DEFINITELY looks more like her daddy than Isaac ever did. So many people would tell me how much Isaac looked like Ben. I always thought he looked more like me in my baby pictures but was fine letting everyone believe that he looked like Ben. As he got older he definitely took on more of my physical characteristics. Then came Tessa. I think the arrival of Tessa has sealed everyone’s belief that Isaac looks more like me because that girl looks SO MUCH like her daddy.

Physical Size

I mentioned in Tessa’s 4 month post that she is taller and of equal weight to her brother at the same age. If I had a prediction at this point it is that Tessa will likely be taller than her brother. We will see.

Physical Strength

I know boys are suppose to be quicker to acquire physical skills and slower to acquire language. For the most part this was true of Isaac, however, I *think* that he acquired language at a faster pace (not as fast as girls) than most boys.

It has been funny to watch Tessa though. I am certain that she has more physical strength and ambiguity than Isaac at the same age. She is so good at grabbing certain things and manipulating them. Putting them in her mouth with accuracy. I remember clearly at this stage with Isaac thinking he should be further along in that area. He was more interested in studying the objects than manipulating them.

Tessa also seems to have a tighter, firmer grip than Isaac ever did. Isaac has experienced this first hand himself. He was holding Tessa’s hand the other day when she got a grip of his fingers. I laughed pretty hard when she wouldn’t let go. He wasn’t sure what to do.

If I had a prediction at this point it is that Tessa is going to be more athletic and physical than Isaac. Isaac seems to be more interested in exploring things than wielding his strength. I suppose time will tell.

Personality

My grandmother always comments on how happy Isaac is. How she hasn’t ever seen him grumpy or upset. And for the most part she is right. She, of course, hasn’t seen him when he is whining and cutting teeth but. . . The funny part is that as a baby I never described Isaac as “happy”. He was always so serious and contemplative. We always described him as “determined”. He was content but he wasn’t happy. He is a great kid and is very happy now though, grandma is right.

Now Tessa? Tessa is HAPPY! That girl smiles and smiles and smiles some more. She LOVES being tickled and scared and laughed at and talked to. She is the most smiley baby I have ever run across. I can’t believe how happy she is. Although that is why we named her Tessa JOY. If I had a prediction about her I would say that she is going to be the family jokester. She is just always laughing, having a good time, smiling and loves to be scared to the point of laughter. It is amazing to see.

Okay, that is it for now. I am sure I will think of more as soon as I stop writing this post. . .I’ll just leave you with some comparison photos from the first 4 months of their lives. (Isaac is always on top, Tessa on bottom).

Day 1

1st Month

2nd Month

3rd Month

4th Month