Twenty-ten was ushered in December 23, 2009 in our house. This date really marked the beginning of our new year even if the calendar refutes that. It brought much needed closure to pregnancy and a little man who constantly finds new ways to delight his family. Elijah Gideon is as different in personality from his elder brother as his blue eyes and blond hair are.
He is cheerful and quick to flash you his wide, dimpled smile. As a “wee bairn” he’d lay on his back fascinated by the moving branches of the trees through the window. When music is played he lights up with much talking and dancing. He has a hunger for movement that saw him reach those baby “milestones” a lot sooner than baby Liam did. Today, he is standing without holding onto things, will walk along furniture, push things in front him to walk places (be it loader, bike or stool) and takes the occasional step which quickly results in a descent to the floor. Maybe by the time this gets into your hands, he’ll be toddling. One of ‘Lijah’s favorite things is to thumb through books. Many minutes a day are dedicated to the (mostly) careful handling of books and gazing at each detail of the page followed with some animated babbling. The best times of his day, though, center on Liam.
Liam, the (mostly) nurturing, sensitive elder brother loves to make Elijah laugh. Whether that means making silly faces at dinner time, reading books to him, giving Elijah toys to play with while I change his diaper, or (what mostly works) tackling him and playing “chase” down the hallway. He also enjoys lying on his tummy while Liam drags him by his pant cuffs across the floor.
Liam turned three the end of August and we had a fun “red” party. I was hoping that since he turned that blessed number he would magically start going potty. It took a few weeks, but he did get around to showing me his magic; and he hasn’t gone back to diapers since.
Part of the desperate potty training bargainings included the offer of enrolling in the local nursery school. He started Monday mornings a few weeks ago. Unlike his parents, he seems to be a social butterfly and thrives on the interaction. They have some great toys including a sand and water table, nice smelling play dough, crafts, songs and outside time. What more could one ask for?
Liam’s recent imaginings revolve around trucks, backhoes, cell phone calls and Jesus. He asked Andrew one night if mommy would sleep with him and Andrew said he’d have to sleep with Jesus. Ever since then, the poor guy has been looking for him and asking all sorts of questions about Jesus: “he like sasa (salsa)?, Jesus eat chips?, where his truck?, Jesus in mommy’s room?, he all around us, Jesus like that song!” Liam is showing us more of his personality with each day. He likes to make people laugh, enjoys making up songs while he plays, he is a quick study at new things and has a very tender heart.
My ever constant helper, friend and love of my everyday, Andrew, has been up to his usual busy service calls, yard work, home improvement projects and keeping me from checking into our local mental institution. I say that with a laugh, but it is all too close to true the past couple years. He is still the biggest blessing in my life and I am happy for the miracle he is to me.
I am still adjusting to being a mom. I think it is a blessed gift, but the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. Maybe in 50 years I feel like I’m settled into the role; I’m hoping to be raptured before then, but in case I’m still here – that’s my goal. I am often asked if I miss being a nurse - I do. But I wouldn’t miss these days as challenging as they can be. I am content knowing I am right where the Lord has for me to be for this day.
Our prayer is that your Christmas is one that brings thoughts of the Saviour and His loving offer of new life to each and every one of us.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Jn 3:16,17
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