Wish I knew what you were looking for

Grady loves it when I sing to him. He'll smile, and gaze adoringly into my eyes, no matter what the tune. He seems to enjoy Barenaked Ladies and Matthew Sweet, though he's also into Natalie Merchant and Aimee Mann. Really, I think he's the type that would take anything, as long as it's not too harsh.

Evan hates it when I sing. He screams for me to stop and covers his ears. I know my voice isn't great, but that kind of criticism is tough to take, especially from your own kid. Ev likes to sing himself though--he's learned a lot of songs in school and is pretty good at remembering all the words. It's sweet to hear him sing, though he's easily embarrassed if you call attention to it.

I'm thinking about this as I sit with Grady, trying to cheer him enough so I can get some work done around the house. Two brothers, so similar, yet so different already. It will be something to watch them grow, and see what each one enjoys. Will G like sports as much as Evan does, or will he be a bookworm like his mom? Will they be talented musicians like their dad, or unable to carry a tune in a bucket? We've seen a lot of Evan already--his likes, his dislikes, his personality--but so much of G is yet to be revealed. I'm excited to get to know these boys better in the coming years. I know a lot of what I do will shape them, but I think they have just as much power to shape me. They are two different people, both with so much to bring to our family, and that's amazing.