Their differences blow my mind.

I mean I know that siblings can be very different from each other.  I see how I am different from my own siblings, how my nieces (and nephew!) are different from each other, and how kids I teach are different from their brothers and/or sisters.  But when you have children of your own and witness the uniqueness of each of them, it's a definite AHA MOMENT (as Oprah would call it).  Side note:  Did you know that "aha moment" is a term that has been added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary? 

We'll start with looks.  Heaven knows personality is a whole other ballgame ;)

Below you will see a picture of Nory at 6 months and a picture of Juliet at about 7.5 months.  This means I've tried my best to account for Jet's 6-weeks-early status. 

ELEANOR DOUGLAS

JULIET TYKO

I believe there are four main things we ought to discuss:

Discussion Point #1 - Please ignore the fact that Jet appears to have a kick-A$$ tan.  In REAL LIFE (as opposed to bad-lighting-and-instagram-filters life), the two of them have fair skin.  And Jet's might be even more fair to tell the truth!  ALSO, I wish I had a picture of Jet in that same bikini but I didn't have any that gave us a clear view of her face! 

Discussion Point #2 - Nory was born with a full head of hair and had her first haircut when she was 8 months old.  Jet will be 8 months old next week and didn't really have ANY HAIR until we came home to Canada.  Luckily, the Canadian air has served her scalp well and we have clearly visible wisps going on up top.  Like their skin tone, Jet's hair seems to be coming in more fair than Nory's.

Discussion Point #3 - Based on our interactions with the public, we have come to the realization that Nory is a "spitting image" of myself and Juliet is a "spitting image" of her Daddy.  Very few veer off course from this consensus.  If anyone sees even a TINY HINT of either child in the OTHER PARENT, please share it with us!!!  I keep searching and searching for a piece of me in Juliet (and a piece of Phillip in Nory) and it's difficult to find!

Discussion Point #4 - Maybe this discussion point should be classified as "the elephant in the room"?  Let's discuss the SIZE OF EACH CHILD.  Check out Nory's rolls, people!  She was a chunky wee thing.  And Juliet is just a.....wee thing.  No chunky about it.  Seems to me that Juliet could be our long and lean gal, with Nory maintaining her strong and muscular build :)

If it weren't for their big smiles and beautiful blue eyes, you might assume they were best friends rather than sisters ;)  #samething

Their sister-bond in action!

Let's move on to PERSONALITY.  

Nory was given the nickname "NOR-NADO" early on and I think we nailed that one on the head.  She's a SPITFIRE, she is!  A super energetic (SHE RARELY STOPS), really enthusiastic-about-everything, passionate (kindly put), and hilarious little girl.  I know we're thick in the terrible two's, but she seems to have an added "zest" to her that makes me think we've got it coming.  That being said, she is a full blown people person and loves to pass out spontaneous hellos, hugs and snuggles.  Her name means "bright, shining one" and she most certainly is that.  We love every single part of this wild child.  Even on the days she stares us straight in the face and does exactly what we're asking her not to do..............HA!

FULL OF BEANS, she is!

ICE CREAM!!!!!

CHEERS!

Moving on to Juliet.  The sweetest, calmest, most easy going little thing around.  I swear, if ALL BABIES were like THIS BABY, we'd have at least ten more ;)  She has these big, happy eyes and a big, happy grin that are almost permanent fixtures on her face.  (Now excuse me as I tap on every piece of wood around to prevent any 180 instigated by the above statements).  I love her patience for Nory and the way she accepts (and maybe even ADORES?) the lack of personal space between the two of them.  And the way she remains un-phased after surprise encounters with a slobbery St. Bernard.  She's the BEST.  There was a time, though, when I wondered if she would ever show us a bit of an edge.  A side that demonstrates boundaries and limits.  Well, we've recently found it.  Don't ya dare come between this girl and her food!  (That's a HOIT TRAIT and she can't be held responsible for acting like the rest of the clan.  We like our food and we need it often.  Just ask Phil.)  I can't wait for Juliet to reveal more of her sweet self.  We love her so much!!!

HOORAY FOR SUMMER!

 

 

Chilling with Daddy!

Three cheers for.......EVERYTHING!

So there you have it - two sisters different as can be, but united by a sense of joy that parents dream of.  We can only hope they learn to embrace each other's differences as we do and grow to be the "best friends" Nory talks about every day at age two.  Seeing them grow up together is already proving to be a wonderful blessing.

Cuddling on the couch :)

Nory feeding Jet at NORJET MANOR.

Lounging and laughing :) xo

We love you, Eleanor and Juliet.  We hope you stay the BEST OF FRIENDS as you grow up! XOXO