Sibling Similarities

What fun it has been getting to know Tess over the last few months! As she has grown and developed her own laid back personality, we can't help but see some of her big brother in her...especially his looks. I went digging into my digital photo albums to see just how much they look alike. I couldn't believe what I found. See for yourself...can you tell who's who?

Can you tell which bump this is? A couple days after this photo, a 7 pound Alex was born.


Here's mommy's second bump full with a 7 pound, 3 oz Tess (she was born two days after this photo).




Alex was born on 8/28/07 in Kalamazoo, MI at Bronson Hospital at 630p. Labor was about 15 hours total.


Tess was born on 9/23/10 in South Bend, IN at Memorial Hospital at 740p. Labor was about 18 hours total.Thanks to Alex for taking this photo, good job bud! Also, you gotta love Sophee's consistency in sneaking in both photos).




Although mom's water broke at 3:33a, we headed to hospital at about 540a. Alex had no rush to come out and visit us.


Same for Tess, we headed to the hospital at about 5:40a after mom's water broke at 1:30a.




Alex at one month: 8 pounds


Lookalike Tess at one month: 8 pounds, 6 oz.




According to Alex's doctor, he had great muscle tone when he was born but he was always below the charts small.


Although Tess has checked in with flying colors at the doctor she has continued to grow around the belly and thighs. She is average for her age but she has the adorable baby bulges that her big bro never had.




Mr. Alex had his nights and days mixed up for awhile after he was born. The swing was our best friend for those long days and nights!


Miss Tess was born to sleep after she arrived. She even lets mom sleep! She has been sleeping 6 plus hours a night since she was two weeks old.




Poor little man, he had a face rash, goopy eyes and not to mention cradle cap on his head as a tiny infant.


The little lady was blessed with smooth skin. Must be from her dad! As Alex, her right eye gets runny after she sleeps.




If it wasn't for the clothes in these next two photos, I'm not sure I could tell the kiddos apart. Alex is doing the airplane, not a surprise since he hasn't stopped moving since birth.


Tess nonchalantly stretched her arm to the side in her deep sleep. She is more laid back than Alex as his age....however she does work up a sweat kicking and punching the air in tune to her mobile.




Again, thank goodness Alex is in blue...


...they look like the same baby to me. Grandma Arklie always has a way at putting the babes to sleep!




Daddy didn't get to feed Alex too much, but Alex turned into a good eater after the first week and had no problems taking a bottle. Unfortunately, he developed a walnut allergy not long after he was born.


Tess came out of the blocks eating like a champ. Maybe mom was more experienced this time around. Bottles are no problem and so far no allergies have been discovered.




As I look back at Alex as a babe, I remember how sturdy he was. We wanted to stand, stand, stand and I barely remember holding up his head. He was on the go since day one. As happy as I was with his developments, I just wanted a snuggle from time to time.


Luckliy Tess likes to snuggle and cuddle. She also likes to stand, stand, stand. Her neck is pretty sturdy WHEN she is awake. Unfortunately, she isn't a big fan of tummy time.




At an early age, Alex enjoyed watching ceiling fans, his bouncer doggie and crib aquarium.


Tess is mesmerized by her colorful crib mobile. Nothing else compares!




Picky sleeper Alex:


Sleeps anywhere Tess:




Alex at two months: 11 pounds, 4 oz (over 4 pound weight gain since birth).


Tess at two months: 10 pounds, 14 oz ( 3.5 pound weight gain since birth).




Alex found his thumb but preferred the pacifer.


Same for his little sister.




Alex Laine Dampeer. Laine History: Daddy's middle name, Great Aunt Ann's middle name, Great Grammy's mom's maiden name.


Tessa Lou Dampeer. Lou History: Mommy's middle name, Grandma Arklie's middle name, Great Uncle Louis. Great Great Grandma Luetta (minus the O), Great Great Great Great Aunt Louetta (now that's a lot of greats if you ask me:) All the previous Lou's were from Gma Arklie's side of the family. On Gpa Arklie's side there was Great Great Grandma Lulu as well. Wonder if Laine and Lou will continue to be passed on down through the family?




Alex's hair started out dark brown, lost it all as an newborn (that darn cradle cap I mentioned) and now is sandy blonde.


Tess' hair started out black with no hair loss yet and still is black. To be continued...




A's eyes started blue, now are hazel like both of his parents.


T's eyes started dark blue and have yet to change...




Alex and one of his favorite's: lamb blankee.
This is one of my favorite photos of Alex. I can't believe Tess is almost the same age as he is in this photo. Time goes by so fast, it was fun taking a trip down memory lane especially since Alex is so big now.


Tess and her lion blankee. Thanks Aunt Claire!




I couldn't forget about the big sister...


The only thing that has changed for her since Alex was born is she likes to sleep with a pillow now :)