our combined genetic code

Jim's youngest brother, T, is 18.  And the boys - of course - think that he is the ultimate in cool.  I think he's pretty dang cool myself.

So when T was chasing the chickens tonight, Aidan followed with equal vigor and speed (or the 5-year-old version of equal speed). 

Then it was Davyn's turn.And a not quite the same scene ensued.

***

When Aidan began toddling & talking, my mom could never relate to any of the issues I faced.  The messes.  The noise.  The chaos.  Because "her children" were not like that.  "They" were (and yes, this means "I was", of course) docile and sweet and still.  Jim and I rolled our eyes, figuring that her memory was on the blink.  Because our boy was crazy.  And loud.  And messy.   And my older sister JoDee, who had jumped into the mom game years before, obviously couldn't remember anything either.  Her toddler description bore a strange resemblance to Cyndee's ridiculous proclamation.

But, Kay.  I liked Kay.  Because she smiled knowingly.  And I thought, "Finally, someone willing to tell the truth!"  And my in-law trips confirmed this truth.  T was still only 12.  And shockingly loud.  Obviously the older model of our tiny human.

Well...when Davyn came along I had to repent of my eye-rolling Cyn judgment.  Because he was different.  He fit her mold.  Here is a boy who I can take with me to the salon.  Color, cut, conditioning treatment, style - and he's still happily coloring in the corner from start to end.  I shudder to think of what Aidan would have been up to at the same age and stage.  But what's difficult at a salon is - of course - sheer delight racing on our backyard track, a place where D doesn't quite keep up.

The boys are so different.  And it's ridiculous to overly generalize their personalities, but Aidan is mostly Jim.  As Davyn is mostly me.  Which makes me wonder why our genetic code didn't like to mingle more.  Oh wait, mingling is definitely not a trait of either.  Makes sense.  So then I wonder what our third child (not yet on the way, thank you for asking) will bring to the mix.  I'm pretty sure we're set with any amalgamation of this genetic pool:  Cyn's artistry.  Papa's ingeniuty.  Kay's perfectionism.  JoDee's fun.  Mandi's patience.  Tyler's contentment.  Megan's intensity.  Jared's technical prowess.  Daniel's work-ethic.  Michael's athleticism.  Jenna's generosity.  T's dang cool.

(And that's not even touching great grandparents.  My boys are quadruply blessed in those.)A with Grandma Hulsey

It's a pool in which I'm proud to be knee-deep.

Comments

[Jill]

This is such a sweet and interesting post. It's funny to think of your genetic codes not being a mingling sort. I guess this puts you guys at an advantage as parents because you're both so familiar with how your boys think, so you can parent them accordingly.

[Loretta]

Oh, I LOVE this picture with Grandma.

[Megan]

I thought maybe you were announcing a pregnancy for a brief second there, that would be cool. I just woke up and had a dream I was pregnant, more like a nightmare, freaky. Am I really intense? Never thought of myself that way.

[Mandy]

I always enjoy reading about the differences in your boys. They are both so cute and wonderful in their own unique ways.

[Kelly]

The part about neither of you being minglers made me smile. It is so interesting to see personalities unfold in our kids. Sometimes when I am really frustrated with something one of my kids is doing or thinking, I will be talking to Keith about it and he'll say, "Oh, sorry. She totally got that from me." Other times I know it's all me, and still other times I think they came from space.

I'm excited to see what your eventual 3rd child will be like. Perhaps a mingler after all?

Love the picture of A!

[Aprilyn]

My boys are alike in some ways but they are both really hyper. I don't like to take Marshall anywhere if I can help it!! Even taking him to the grocery store used to end with him hitting his head on the handle of the grocery cart and screaming at me. Ooooohh fun. He's much better now but I have to keep it short and sweet.

Sounds like you have an awesome gene pool. Maybe there will be another little one to add to your family someday. That would be cool. I'm hoping the same but not counting on it too heavily.

[Marie]

So from your clarification, I take it you don't want anyone to inquire about your future plans for a third child?Got it.

Your boys are great. It is good they have each other to balance things out a bit. Keep one from being too off the wall, and other from being to calm.

[Tiffany]

It is funny how we try to judge everything by our own experience. That is one thing I've certainly learned from having kids--they are each so different. (Why can't that mom do something with her child--my child never did that!...) I hope I'm semi-cured of the judging bit.

[cyndee]

Yes, I had the easy life with kids growing up but the Lord compensates with pregnancy woes. I'm glad I've got it in writing that you believe me. And by the way - I am thrilled that my daughter comes from a gene pool of givers. Thanks for coming over and thanks for the Christmas tree and thanks for my very own Advent Calendar complete with treats.

[Bobbi Jo]

Amy,
It was great to meet you in person. I hope we will get more time to visit and talk. As you can tell I love to talk. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

[Neighbor Jane Payne]

Oh gee, what a good post and a way to incorporate the value of all your family in your kids' lives. Again. Bravo, Amy.

[Shanon]

Very cute post! I love the picture of T and A with Grandma.