Making Their Mark

I’m often asked to describe how the girls are different from each other, and the question always stumps me.  I suppose I have difficulty answering because the girls themselves seem to change from day to day; the child that is laid-back and independent on Monday is needy and clingy by Wednesday, and her sister is the opposite on any given day.  I used to say that Susie was hands-down the more social child, but lately Becky has been much more friendly (especially with kids her age) and Susie is the one hanging onto my legs when we enter a crowded room.  Susie is still the more cuddly and physically affectionate one, but Becky occasionally curls up on my lap when she needs a hug.  They both love reading, but right now Becky goes through books faster and Susie prefers to stick with one book for a longer period of time.  Susie recently started to love arranging and rearranging small toys, and Becky has always preferred more vigorous activities like chasing and jumping.  Becky is more physically daring and is forever wanting to go “Faster!  Faster!”  But Susie is the one who ends up messier during outdoor play, reveling in puddles, mud, sand, or snow.

To illustrate another one of their differences, I’ll share with you their most recent artwork. 

First up is Becky.  Nearly everything she draws right now is circular in shape, and she holds her Crayons very lightly, almost as if she doesn’t want to make any mistakes.   

In contrast, here is Susie’s bold handiwork, using more straight lines and sweeping motions.  That girl is not afraid of making a colorful impression.   

The thing is, I wouldn’t generalize these artistic tendencies to their greater personalities, since Becky is not reserved or tentative in any other areas, and I wouldn’t classify Susie as particularly bold or impulsive.  But they definitely have very different drawing styles.   

I guess the bottom line is that although the girls shared a womb (but not a birthdate), they are clearly individuals who making their own mark on the world!