Two Little Contrasting Characters

We're at a Bank Holiday BBQ today - as is tradition - 'cos you know, if we weren't at someone elses we'd have our own.

And in a quiet moment I managed to snap two pics that, I think, show the differences in my girls' characters quite well.

The Quiet, Mature One

She's sitting next to me quietly, refuses the offer of a drink and is just...taking in the conversation around her.

The Attention Loving, Energetic One

She can't sit still for one second, she's been on and off that chair ten times in the last few minutes. She's chatting away but has been told to sit still.

So she's hanging all over the chair, tipping her head upside down and leaning backwards over the arms.

Complete opposites these two are!

It Isn't Always Hugs & Kisses...

In the past people have seen J.R spontaneously grab and hug her little sister tight.

They'd ask me, "Are they always like that?" And i’d be like, "Noooo! Of course they don’t always hug and cuddle each other lovingly."

After all, they're both two seperate individuals who have unique characters.

And not to mention their own different needs and wants.

For example, Baby E.M would want what her sister has (and whine and complain when she doesn't get it). J.R can be impatient with Baby E.M and give her a push so she "walks faster". Baby E.M would refuse to share her favourite food and J.R would in the end sneak over and snatch some anyway.

Really. The list can go on and on.

But then again, kids - in any family - are like that, aren’t they?

I mean, it's impossible to have siblings who never bicker or make each other cry. It's human nature.

If you ask me though, I think the focus shouldn’t really be on how much they don’t get along with eachother, but how often they actually do.

"Baby books" always advise us to encourage good relationships between brothers/sisters from day one. Because peaceful relationships between siblings are possible to achieve.