Chenry fitting the stereotype

I have always been a lover of instances where the stereotypes we apply are dashed by examples of individuals doing what we would perhaps least expect them to. Environmentally conscious Conservatives, Pro-life Liberals, high profile musicians or actors who remain true to their spouses for decades, High School football players in the drama club or on the debate team. Anytime someone shows us that we have to be more careful about the "little boxes" we put people in is a victory for humanity in my opinion. In my years as a youth leader I have put much thought into the idea of encouraging this (without engineering it, or overstepping important parameters). I hope as a parent I can find that perfect balance that allows a child to be what they are... without too much over-correction.
In the development laboratory that is the Callister household, we have daily exposure to a microcosm of gender stereotyping. It is certainly too early to address in any way (other than an amusing blog post), but I thought it might be entertaining to characterize our two little ones, one boy and one girl, born in the same ten minute period, growing up in the same house, same food, same Mom, .....same everything.... and yet...

One of them has not stopped moving during waking moments for the last four months. If we put a camera on his/her head it would wander literally unceasingly from morning until nap and from nap until nighttime

One of them can, in full state of satisfaction, sit and look at a book or observe some object for extended periods of time.

One of them is excelling in motor development and is already taking steps (I have witnessed them walk across the entire room). This same individual is obsessed with physical feats and seems to be driven to achieve them simply for the sake of having done it.

One of them is very keenly mimicking Mom and Dad and has started regularly using words like (Uh-oh, quack, Momma and Dadda)

One tends to stop and perform a VIRTUAL cost-benefit analysis before most potentially hazardous actions, while the other tends to perform a PHYSICAL cost-benefit analysis... which often results in either surprising achievement or significant personal injury or one followed by the other.

One seems more interested in personal interaction (getting to know you), while the other is more interested in fleeting intimate moments between his/her other adventures.

I should note that their are some similarities, both have their tender and sweet moments, both can get pretty awrnry, both seem to be mimicking gestures pretty well (clapping hands, waiving) and both love bath time (in their own respective ways)

Which is which? Well there is a simple formula to find out--- just apply all of the gender stereotypes you can think of and you'll have your answer!

Every day more and more personality pours out of these two! We are so excited to see all the ways they will defy any preconceptions we have of them!!!

Here are some fun clips. The clip of Henry was really dark so I lightened it up, its still looks pretty funky (sorry).