Gender or Number?

I sometimes wonder about the way I'm raising our kids. I find that I'm much more relaxed with Adam than I ever was with Mary. Is it because he's the second and I've had "experience"? Is it because if I kept him indoors all the time, like I did Mary, I'd go certifiably insane? Or is it because he's a boy and I assume "boys will be boys" and I expect him to eat everything, fall down and just plain, get dirty? I am amazed at how tough he is at such a young age. He can fall, slip, trip or slide and if he's not super tired or actually hurt, he doesn't cry. Amazing. We're still trying to work on that skill with Mary. He's developing so much faster than Mary did (I hear the second kid does since they have a sibling to watch...and want to keep up with) and so I guess I treat him like he's older. Of course, one look at that fabulous smile tells me he's doing ok.

It's cold here (50's), ok, cold for us. I know everyone one else back in the States is freezing. Anyway, it's amazing how many people don't go out when it's cold here. I have to get out of the house (or go crazy- see above), so I just bundled the kids up and we walked to the playground. Sadly, we were the only ones there. We had a good time anyway. Hee,hee,hee...we only have sweatshirts for Adam and a hat, nothing heavier. Mary has 2 winter coats, hats, gloves. Most of the time we don't need anything heavy, but I feel bad for his cold little fingers. I was going through his box of clothes and found this cute getup. The sleeves fold over to keep his hands warm! Oh, he was too cute...and warm.

Can I just say, we LOVE the slide!