You are 18 months old today. How is it that we're halfway to two already?? It amazes your dad and I to realize time, indeed, is going so fast with you. I see many families with new babies and it seems like only a week ago we were bringing you home from the hospital. These last six months have been quite trying for you medically, and emotionally for your dad and me. You've been to so many doctors, been through multiple procedures (many involving having to put you under anesthesia), numerous blood draws, and still have some to go but you carry through so well. We laugh when nurses tell us how well you step on the scale to take your weight or when they marvel at how you know to put your arm upright after a draw to keep pressure until they bandage you. You're one tough little boy. You're OUR tough little boy. You motivate your dad and I to keep strong for you, because there are many moments when we feel very small and very helpless. It has broken our hearts to have to see you go through so much, to have to physically pin you down for procedures, to see you hurting, and to feel utterly helpless in how we can make you feel better. It's caused problems with how we discipline you, many times because when we discipline you because of what we think is defiance, only find out later that it was because you were hurting. Those kind of revelations completely tear at our hearts, but we also worry because we know how essential this time is for setting your heart to be disciplined. Though you dealt with so much, we're still coming up on a major surgery in just over a week. And the rest of the month is filled with several other doctors to see. Your dad and I have full faith that God is holding firm to you and that His will will prevail in all of this. I have spent countless times praying that God guides your dad and I in the choices we make for you and that our judgement not be clouded. I pray we don't put you through more than what is needed. We also pray for your heart and your relationship with God.
Here are some things that you're doing right now:
- You LOVE your Bible songs and always remind us to start our meals with a prayer by waiting quietly with your hands folded; what a wonderful encouragement!
- You're enjoying Bible class more and more. You get a little upset when we first start to leave, but within a few minutes you're settled and having so much fun!
- You are so affectionate! You love giving kisses to everyone and are always hugging and holding hands with someone.
- You're beginning to talk more and can say quite a few words now including "mama," "dada," "lulu" (Lindsey), "pahs" (Pops), "mee-mee" (Meme), "up," "down," "hey," "hello," "bye-bye," "cheese," "hoooot-doooog!" "peese" (please), "moh" (more), and several others. We just love hearing your sweet voice!
- You love your puppies so much and eagerly run to hug them in the morning. ("huh"-Huck, "ah-iee"-Annie)
- You adore your Gran and Pops. They are two of your most favorite people, hands down.
- You're an outdoors boy! I think if you could live outside, you would. We usually have to drag you back in.
- You're a hit and miss on the eating. One day you'll eat great, the next, it may be hardly anything. You wear either 3-6 mos pants or some 6-9 mos, just depending on if they have a tighter waistband. Your shirts are usually 6-9 mos, but we put you in some 12 mos just so you can be comfy (and we simply roll the sleeves up). You've already worn several things you wore last year, so at least we're getting some great wear out of your clothes!
- You're starting to sleep a little better, finally! We're pretty thankful for that and it now makes it much easier to cope on the nights you have a hard time.
- You love music. You love listening to it and you really love moving to it. You crack us up with your moves!
- You're starting to like reading much more, which I love.
- You adore Elmo! You walk around saying "Mel-mo!" It's the cutest.
- You know your dad's office. When we walk up the side, you know right where you're going and run to try to open the door.
- You're climbing up on everything and jumping down as well. This can scare me!
Beau, we love you so very much and are so thankful for the blessing God bestowed on us when He gave you to us to bring you up in His ways. You are our joy!
Love,
Mom
