Opposites Attract

A reoccurring observation in our children's lives is that they are "SO DIFFERENT!" And really, 6 months into my son's life, everyday brings new and shocking ways just how different they are. Anyone who knows me is probably tired of hearing the following phrase:

"...but Sophia was SOOOOOOOO easy"

As if Ethan was supposed to be too.

Sophia adjusted to change easily, she loved to eat, and she loved to sleep.

Not Ethan. Ethan hates change. He hates to eat, he hates to sleep, Hates noises, lights, and staying still. He hates experiencing the slightest discomfort: Bubbles, gas, a MOIST diaper. And he will protest until we figure out what he is unhappy about. And I am the only one who who can interpret his crys and take the appropriate action (I am, really. It's not an ego thing. We've established a routine. That's another thing he hates, deviating from his routine.) Which is why it is so difficult for me to leave him with anyone, even Allan.

I was thinking this morning as a was tapping him on his fanny (not too hard and in a moderate tempo, a way that puts him to sleep when all else fails), That I should create a Troubleshooting Manual for him when I leave him with somebody. It might look something like this:

Problem-

Ethan is crying before it's time for him to sleep.

Has he eaten in 3 hrs.? no - feed him

yes-

Is his diaper dry? no-change him

yes-

Does he need to burp? yes- stand him up and pat his back or put him in his excosaucer

no-

Does he have gas? yes- pump his legs in a bicycle motion

no-

Teething? yes-Tylenol

no-

Went to bed late? yes- Then he's probably overly tired and will need to be swaddled, given the binky, held tightly and bounced on the bed without making eye contact. He'll arch his back, scream, and act like he wants down. Don't be fooled. Now, firmly pat the fanny.

no-

Then he probably just wants mama and, well, have fun.