gender roles

Charlie showing off the sporting abilities inherited from his father...

And pensively adjusting his memoirs...

Inspecting the elvish workmanship amended by Daddy (anything involving a drill is awe inspiring to the little lad)

Eduarda's gifts were a big hit:  A rescue helicopter for Charlie (which makes all manner of grating noises which is especially fun for the driver when Charlie insists on bringing it in the car) and a new doll for Schuyler (although the one pictured below is actually from Santa because it has "real" hair to style).

Now, what about these gender differences?  We've been keen not to prejudice the kids in terms of what they play with or what activities they do - Charlie routinely cares for the growing family of dolls (he is a caring father from what we can observe) and can often be found in a tutu or skirt (usually at his sister's insistence) and Schuyler often sets to work with a drill and trucks.  But, oh man, it is hard not to see the general inclinations - especially since the boy arrived:  Charlie loves caring for the dolls but he is obsessed with kicking/throwing balls, playing with trucks, riding his bike, "fixing" stuff with the tool kit... whereas Schuyler is a full time Mum to her dolls and adores "Angelina Ballerina" and puts on mini performances (often, instead of saying "thank you", she will curtsy (because, at ballet, they taught her it is how a ballerina says "thank you").  This aside, they have plenty in common - they both love swimming, running around the house, making pillow forts, raising the kids, real and pretend cooking, and general commotion.