Difference in Boys and Girls

I am sure over the years to come I will speak more on this subject, but already, I can see some fundamental emotional and psychological differences between Ava and Jacob which seem to be rooted in their gender. It will be more pronounced as they both grow older, but two have differences have clearly appeared in the last month or so. They both are aspects of their personality that reflect masucline and feminine traits.

One is touch and specifically hugging. Jacob never showed an interest in hugging anyone or seeking out personal touch as a young child. He wanted to be held at bed time and of course being comforted when he was hurt. But in "normal" conditions, he didn't like being held or snuggled. Ava runs to you to give you a hug. She loves it. She will put her head down on my neck and let me squeeze her. I proudly confess I love this about her.

The second is discipline. It is still very early in the game, and the game does change as they age, but each are at different end points. We have started very light discipline with Ava telling her "no" on certain things, like throwing her food off the table. Like with Jacob at that age, if she persists, we would get a light smack on the hand. With Jacob, we could never just do a light smack. You had to up the intensity a bit or he would just think you were playing. Even then, he also showed a little more defiance which often led to several smacks.

With Ava, I can literaly look at her and say "no" and make her cry. I have done it. Just a stern look can send her into tears. Twice I have gave her the smallest of smacks, more like a light tap and she wails. It is like she is saying "How can you be angry at me my beloved father."

Ava's First Year Video

Here is the compilation video of Ava's first year. The song playing in the background is "Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman, who is probably Shannon's favorite singer and this is one her favorite songs.

Happy Birthday Ava Lauren

My little princess is 1 year old today. Birthday party tomorrow. Next week, several posts here on Ava, including her 1st year video collage, pictures from the party and other stuff. Happy birthday to my little girl. I love her so much.

I WV U

Jacob drew his mommy a very pretty picture with flowers on it. He then wrote something on the top of it, and said to his Mommy, "look Mommy, I wuv you." What he had spelled was "I WV U". This was all on his own. Does this make him a whole language advocate?