My boy

Something I've thought about lots when I consider what to write in this blog is what to write about. Ha, ok that is a "duh" sentence if I've ever heard one, but let me explain. I think it's important when you have kids to remember yourself. I don't know if I can fully expand on this, but I'll try...

I think in order to give my kids the best parenting possible, it's important to give them the best of me. Remembering my dreams and passions, and indulging in what I enjoy every now and then. I do not mean doing these things at the expense of my son, but instead in the times that allow so that I can continue to grow personally and offer the best of myself back. Does that make sense?

That being said, I'm not always sure what to blog about...do I write updates about Tyler every week? Do I keep him out of it and maintain this as "my" space? I really don't think either one of those options are wrong...but I've decided that when I write here, it's more of a place for me to process and write my thoughts.

Does what I'm trying to tie together make any sense? Anyway, I digress...

What I really do want to do today is reflect on Tyler. He is...the best part of my day. Every day. He mimics everything these days. I am constantly surprised by which of my actions he picks up on and attempts to replicate - for example, trying to put toothpaste on a toothbrush. Or the other day when he grabbed Mitch's lunch bag and his keys, dragged them both to the front door, and waved goodbye to us as if he was going to work. He gives me kisses almost every time I ask for them, and even sometimes when I don't. And he has turned into a snuggler! I can't express how happy this makes me. When it's nap time or bed time I will pick him up and he wraps his little arms around my neck and puts his head on my shoulders. Pure bliss.

He points at absolutely everything and asks "DAT?!", and will ask this over and over again as we attempt to name everything he points at. He is working hard at matching my determined side and is becoming quite the finicky eater. He will pick up whatever he doesn't want, look me square in the eye, hold the food hostage over the side of his high chair, aaaand....drop. So intentional and SO irritating. In a cute way.

His favorite way of playing is to be chased and will giggle incessantly as we run around the house. He always wants to get caught though and will often run right at me, waiting to be tickled. He has developed such a special bond with our family members, and each one is different and significant in their own ways. He kisses my computer screen over and over when he sees his Auntie Jeana via skype. He growls "papa" as the name for both of his grandpas, and throws a temper tantrum if we try to take him away from his uncles (who he refers to as ca-ca). From the moment he gets up in the morning to when we go to bed he asks over and over for doo-wamma (grandmas) and always wants to look out the window just in case they might be coming over to play. He runs to his Auntie Holly when he sees her and refuses to let go. He has so many wonderful people in his life who love him.

I just could not have imagined myself happier than I am now as a mother. Tyler blesses me daily by his sweetness. Praise the Lord for his goodness and faithfulness, and for knowing the desires of our hearts.