Odds and Evens

I am the 4th child in my family of four. Growing up, I always thought that I was the most like my brother (Mark) that is the second born. My sister and other brother (#1 and #3) seemed to be similar to each other as well. Maybe even the fact that #1 and #3 had red Christmas stockings, and #2 and #4 had green stockings was a subtle influence to me. I'm not even talking just looks or height/build here (although it is true), but certain personality traits just seemed to be shared among the "odds" and the "evens."

I can't help but begin to see the same pattern in my own children. Although each one is completely unique and different for many reasons, I am seeing some similarities and will share a few:

My "Odds":
Burke and Tosh are both generally loud. They talk all the time and have a hard time whispering. They are bright and have amazing memories. They were both very happy toddlers and it was always easy to make them smile or laugh. They are also both skinny-skinny (Tosh still wears a 12-month swimming suit at 2 and 1/2, and I kid you not that just last year Burke was able to squeeze into a 6-12 month size Halloween costume. We both laughed so hard we were crying!). Because these guys are both so verbal, I can use logic to reason with them and when I explain a situation or why we shouldn't do something, they generally comply. Burke has always been very helpful with Tosh (he thinks that everything Tosh does is "hysterical"), and they are very good buddies and nice to each other.

My "Evens":

Granted Liv is still a baby, but Hewitt and Liv are "quiet" and also observant. They are able to entertain themselves instead of relying on me to entertain them. They were more solemn babies and cautious of strangers. I'm sure I've mentioned that they have similar coloring and I think Liv will be strawberry-blonde too. They are my "chubby" babies. I swear that Liv gained a few pounds just yesterday...it's like I put her down for a nap and when she woke up she was so much thicker and heavier. Hewitt had the cutest rosy cheeks as a baby and I am so happy that Liv is filling out more too. Hewitt and Liv are also my snugglers - I love it! These two have such a special little bond and love each other so much. I hope that Hewitt will always look out for Liv and protect her like he does now.