Different Kids, Part 2

I know I keep blogging about how different Amelie is from Elizabeth. It just amazes me how they can both be so wonderful (biased? me?) and yet so different. Also, I'm probably still adjusting to Amelie's personality! Anyway, here are some more differences.

1. Outdoor Clothing Needs: Elizabeth generally didn't like to get wet or dirty. We didn't have to buy her waterproof mittens until last year. Amelie desperately needs waterproof mittens now and her size is very hard to find! We have a very deep puddle at the side of our house, and Amelie ran into the middle of it before I could stop her. She had a fantastic time splashing around in it, and didn't slow down a bit after falling down and soaking her snowpants (several times). I had to force her to come inside. Now that she knows the puddle is there, she wants to go in it every time we go in or out the front door.

2. Running Away: Elizabeth tended to be fearful and stuck close to us outside. She actually still asks us if cars three blocks away are going to run over her. Amelie thinks running away is a fun game. Isaac took her to the Rosedale play area while I was gone this weekend. She ran out the door, and he decided to follow her as an experiment to see when she would look back. She never did. She ran all the way to an escalator and was about to climb on when he grabbed her. She never looked back! We may seriously have to consider a leash this summer.

3. Strollers: I prided myself on Elizabeth's ability to walk and go places without a stroller. She could walk the entirety of the Minnesota Zoo, outside and inside, the summer she turned two. Amelie just doesn't see the point of walking where I want her to go. She'd rather collapse like Jello on the floor and roll around until I leave her alone to run off wherever she wants (see Running Away, above). We're going to have to use the stroller a lot for safety.

4. Getting Dirty and Ruining Outfits: Amelie has already ruined quite a few outfits, through holes in the knees, stains, etc. Thank goodness she's the last kid and we don't need to save her clothes for another baby!

There are many more differences. Just thought I'd point out a few as I'm on the prowl for toddler-sized waterproof mittens!