Joyous

Since JD was first born he has had a smile on his sweet face.  Recently, we went to see Grandma perform in the choir at church.  JD, Dad and I filled with our many different activities sat in the second to last pew on the end (we made some poor women move over so we could easily exit).

I would love to say that I have been diligent about taking JD to church but I haven't.  Since birth we have probably averaged 4-6 church services a year.  To say he "understands" how to behave in church would be a grave misunderstanding.  However, in the last two months we have gone to church 3 times--yes that is almost every other week so he is getting a much better understanding.  JD even asks about church and talks about it as an "adventure."

This particular Sunday, JD wasn't so excited to head to church but we convinced him there would be good music and Grandma would be singing so he managed to pull it together.  We sat down and he started to smile, laugh and cheer every time a song finished.  Trying to be respectful of those around us,  we tried to quietly whisper that he "needed to be quiet" and just listen to the music.  Finally, after several "yeah grandmas" "whohoos" he looked up at us and said "I'm ready to go."  So, Dad took JD and they went outside while I sat and listened to the end of the service.

As I was loading up the bag of about 100 different activities we had packed.  The couple behind me stopped to share how wonderful they thought it was that our son was so "joyous in the house of the Lord."  They shared how he made them smile and really brought joy to them just by watching him enjoy himself so much in church.

I realized that in fact, that's what JD has done for my outlook on life.  He has brought Joy into everything from waking up in the morning, to a snack, to reading the same book for the 100th time.  It's just fun when he is laughing, cheering and smiling.

I am so thankful he is my son.  I am thankful that he spreads joy wherever he goes, I am thankful that for each moment with him.  And I can only hope that he positive spirit continues for the rest of his life.  It will make him a force and allow him to change the world.

I'm Two!

Can you believe it?  Just nine days ago JD turned two years old and he is now a little boy!  I am still in shock and what's worse I have not done a good job keeping up on his many adventures.  However, with another little one due in less than 4 months I have decided not to dwell in the guilt but rather try to find a few minutes every so often to document some of the cool things about JD.

I have been reading lots of books and right now I am reading Hands Free Mama, a great book about just being in the moment with your child.  So this morning, I took 20 extra minutes and sat and read books with JD.  I listened as he read me books (not really reading but rather singing and talking as to what he thinks the pages might describe) and I am so thankful I took those moments. 

Life is busy these days but never too busy to witness the miracles that JD brings to our lives each and every day.  I wish I started reading the book back in January when it was 20 degrees below zero and we were trapped inside the house for seemingly the entire month.  That was a long month, followed by February with more snow, more cold and more NOT going outside.  But JD, he went with the flow.  He worked on his watercolors, his painting, drawings and found ways to develop, play and enjoy each moment.  Even if his mom was seemingly loosing her mind being trapped inside.

To me, the last three months have brought the most astounding changes.  JD comprehends most everything we have to say and he can repeat any word; so these days we are very careful as to what we say.  He loves to laugh and smile and I hope that continues forever because  his smile changes your outlook.  He has a power and charisma about him and definitely the will to do whatever and be whatever he wants to be.

He is remarkable and there is nothing I enjoy more than being in his presence.