The Easy One

I'm not sure an "easy" child really exists.  They all require tons of work, though admittedly some are much "easier" than others.

Sometimes I think I give the impression that Orelia is much more difficult than Bennett.

 This is true in the sense that her opinions are expressed as arguments - occasionally with stamping feet and whining.

Bennett expresses his opposition by screaming and crying, as babies do.  It is much shorter lived than an Orelia argument, but it happens all day every day (usually when preventing him from eating an apple right this instant or by not allowing him to go outside).

 Orelia is much easier to take to the grocery store, or any errand for that matter.  She is old enough to be predictable.  And be bribed.

When a one-year-old is done with something, they are DONE.  There is no reasoning with them, and you may have to leave the store without purchasing the items in your cart.  (Not that Bennett does this necessarily, but mostly he doesn't go to the store.)

Bennett is a much more adventurous and interested eater than Orelia, but Orelia is an easier dining companion since her hunger doesn't cause her to scream or cry, and she doesn't find sitting to be an entirely unacceptable pastime (like a little boy I know).

 Time will tell whether Bennett will be a strong willed three-year-old like his sister has become.  At the moment he's just a one-year-old whose personality is just starting to shine through.

When things are easy with Bennett, they are a breeze.  He toddles around our house looking at truck books and vroom-vrooming his cars around the tables.  But when nary a truck book or car can be found (say at the end of Orelia's ballet class), he isn't quite as laid back.

Sure, Bennett can be put in his crib without a thousand books and cuddles if necessary, but there could be yelling and tears.  Orelia may drag out bedtime until the eleventh hour, but once the door is closed you can usually relax that she will take care of herself.

Like every parent knows, neither child is "easy" but luckily both of mine are fun, unique, hilarious, adventurous, and beloved - even when they are being their most rascally selves.

That being said, I'd probably say Orelia is "the easy one" at the moment.  Ask me tomorrow, though, and I may change my mind.