14 Months

14 Months.  Fourteen Months?  FOURTEEN MONTHS!!???

You have got to be kidding me.  This child is growing up before our eyes.  There is very little baby left in him.  He is definitely his own little person with his own little personal agenda.  The past month has been interesting to say the least.  He has graced us with tantrums, fits, defiance, and stubbornness.  Though it has been challenging, it has been hilarious all at the same time.  I cannot believe my sweet mellow tempered little man has become so adamant about his needs and wants.  He does not stand for a "no" and is not deterred easily by discipline.  Despite these new found challenges, he has become continually more affectionate than ever and it has made this time so sweet.  He even cuddles immediately after he has been disciplined--post temper tantrum, that is.  It is almost as if he is sorry or embarrassed.  We will see how long that lasts, ha!  Basically, restaurants are much less enjoyable these days and running errands is nearly impossible without a huge tub of goldfish ready and waiting.  The only outing he seriously enjoys is when we go to Publix and this is only because he gets to ride in the green car facing forward.  If that particular cart is unavailable, he twists his body around the entire time in order to see out the front the entire ride.  He definitely knows what he wants and he cares if he does not get it.

Picky eating has arrived in full force.  He lives off of cheese, yogurt, turkey, eggs, raisins, pretzels, oatmeal, apple sauce, fruit, carrots, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.  His most recent favorite food is taco meat.  He is obsessed with spicy food just like his Dad.  However, he is not easily tricked.  He spits out every tomato and green onion I try to sneak into his taco salad.  Just this past week, David mastered the art of self-feeding with a spoon.  He is obsessed with spoon feeding himself.  He likes to spoon water out of cups into his mouth and even wants you to put goldfish on his spoon for him to eat.  We are cutting at least 3 molars and I used the word 'we' intentionally.  It takes the support of a family to get through this teething.  We have little trouble with much else in comparison to the impact teething has on this little man's sleep patterns.  Thank you Motrin!!  His fine motor skills have really increased and he builds with legos and blocks.  He has a slight obsession with Mega Blocks and works with them most of the day.  He also likes to line up sugar packets and gently line up his goldfish on top of them.  The child has a slight obsession with the theme song for Sesame Street.  Thankfully we Tivo the show and he is able to hear it whenever possible.  This is a staple when it is time to prepare dinner.  No words yet.  An occasional 'hey' and 'hush'.  He makes various animal noises and grunts while pointing A LOT.  He is very persistent about communicating his point without using English.  Hopefully we gain some vocab soon and ease the frustrations of our days together.  It is amazing how much children this age can comprehend without being able to utter a word themselves.  Weirdly enough, I feel like we talk all day long in some way or another.

He is still such a joy and I could spend most of my days cuddling and playing around with the little man.  God's design continues to amaze me and I am ever thankful for the glorious blessing that is parenthood.  I just pray the Lord equips me with the wisdom necessary to raise David in truth and righteousness, filled with great character, humility, and meekness (strength under control).  I long to teach, train, love, and discipline according to the Lord's leading and currently feel incredibly inadequate to fulfill such a challenging role.  I am thankful to be in this place because when we come to the end of ourselves, all that is left is the Lord.  I hope to step into my role as a mere vessel in which the Lord can access this little guy consistently until he accepts Christ for himself.  I long for that day where my child's eternity is secured by the blood of the lamb.  Praise God that he hears the prayers of His people.

(two new posts below)