Our last update of Brode included him putting two words together, such as "hello kitty." Well as of recently, he is combing two, two-word phrases. So he no longer just says, "hello kitty" but has to include his puppy... He now says, "hello kitty; hello puppy!" For those of you who have had the opportunity to see Brode say "hello" you know how adorable it is when he sticks that little tongue out! ;) His communication skills are improving day by day.
Our son has always been a sweetie... a lovie, in fact. He cannot get enough of his stuffed animals and loves to see live ones too. When a toy falls off of his shelf, he'll immediately go and pick it up and give it a hug and kiss, saying "ooohhh..." because it got hurt! He is also protective of our friend's baby (they live next door). Brode will always say, "Baby? Go!" because he wants to go see him. Or when we leave through the garage he'll say, "Shh... baby..." because he thinks he's asleep. He always wants to give him hugs and kisses. This gives me hope for the arrival of our next baby! ;)
Although Brode has so many fun-loving qualities, he is definitely growing up and reaching his independent stage. I can honestly say we have a good boy and don't have to put up with a lot but he is definitely testing my patience with his "clingy-ness," occasional need for attention, and sporadic tantrums when he doesn't get something his way. Of course, these are all normal behaviors of a 22 month old, but I am definitely in the process of learning how to be a consistent parent. I'm training myself while simultaneously training him!
Thankfully God is giving me the strength and energy to provide him with love, discipline, and protection throughout the day. It's pretty difficult being 8 months pregnant AND having to take care of a tot (need I remind you I don't have family nearby to relieve me which I desperately miss).
There are days when I feel like throwing in the towel, but God is gracious... He reminds me of how precious my son truly is. Those are the days when Brode gives me extra hugs and kisses out of the blue... Those are the days when a complete stranger will tell me how well-behaved our son is at a restaurant... Those are the days when Brode obeys for the first time! ;) So although it is VERY TOUGH being a parent, God consistently reminds me of the rewards that come along with it... I just need to be patient enough to wait for them...
This post contained more bunny trails than I imagined it to go... However, they are words that must have been on my heart, so I will post it anyway. Maybe it'll be of some encouragement to you Mommies out there who deal with the same "struggles" I do. You never see the hard days in a photo album, but it is those times that get us from one happy snapshot to the next.
2 comments:
That makes me smile that he wants to be quiet for Gage in case he is sleeping. Brode is such a sweet boy... I miss him.
I hope Matt and I do as good a job raising Gage as you and Andrew have done with Brode.
We love you guys and can't wait to hang out again... hopefully before Baby Shanle arrives!
Hang in there, mama! Parenting is the toughest job you will ever have and the stage(s) you are and will be going through are, in my opinion, the hardest! Check back with me when mine are teeenagers and see what I say then....However, the fact that you notice all these things, shows how much you care and what a great job you are doing as a mommy. Praying for you today-love, Mindy
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