Sweet Sixteen...months

Honestly, how much do I love this little boy??? Sixteen months ago, today, he came into our lives and changed our hearts forever. If you would have asked me then what I thought he would be like at this age, I am 100% certain I would never have guessed anything that is Jadon today. I just knew he would be quiet and reserved like his daddy. I thought he would like to sit and read or color, maybe build with blocks for hours at a time. I figured I would sit him on my lap and teach him songs and nursery rhymes, as he watched and listened intently. I hoped he wouldn't be shy and have severe stranger anxiety, but I did expect some clinging to Mommy. Let me tell you, I got none of that!

As much as parents feel that children are a reflection of their child-rearing practices (instilling morals, values, etc.), there are some things that literally must be out of our control. I mean, the way Jadon is...his HUGE personality and unquenched desire to figure out EVERYTHING, the way he runs around making weird noises, laughing at things that really are not funny at all...his giggles and grins that never end...the things he likes that I had no idea he would, things I never really made a big deal of introducing him to that he simply cannot get enough of...There is a point in every day that I think to myself or even say out loud, "Where did he get that from? How in the world did he end up being so wild?" I actually had a lady in Gap ask me, "Does he always act like this?" He is FULL of personality...that we had no real part of creating, that's for sure!

What I'm saying here is there is definitely a God element here. There is an innate, naturally occurring, God-created design to this kid! I couldn't have created all of the amazing characteristics and massive personality traits that this little boy has in my wildest dreams. The hard thing to figure out, as his parent, is how to (1) contain them in all of their monstrosity, as to not make everyone around him crazy, but mainly (2) allow God to use me and Jamie to mold these traits (gifts, talents, God-breathed dreams and desires), so that he will become the person the Creator of the Universe intended him to be. Man, parenting is tough! It is by far, hands down, no way you can argue with me about this, the HARDEST job with the MOST responsibilities that I will ever have, and I cannot imagine actually understanding the meaning of life (truly), had the Lord not chosen to bring this awesome little being into my life.

You want to talk about grace??? blessings??? I have been privileged to spend time with, care for, nurse, play with, feed, take pictures of, bathe, teach, tickle, share giggles with, read to, dress and shop for, comfort, love, hug and kiss this little boy for the last 489 days...the very best 489 days of my life...I am so thankful to be your Mommy, Jadon! And can you believe I have his baby sister growing in my belly?!? :)