Ornery Boy

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As Canaan gets older, he is more of a joy every day! OK, he is also more of a challenge too! It all started about two weeks before his first birthday. He started figuring out this 'choice' thing. He finally got old enough that he was able to start turning the pages on the books faster, play with the particular toys he was interested in, and not do everything Mommy and Daddy asked. So, here we are, 5 months later, and he is just choosing to exercise his way more than ours.

I guess that is just part of growing up. Mommy and Daddy are having to find ways to convince him that he must do what we say, or else. I think the hardest part about being a parent is being consistent. I am learning that is the only way that he will know I mean what I say. Everyday I feel like it just gets more challenging in this area. I am sure most of you understand what I am saying.

However, no matter how challenging some days can be, each day is a joy. In ways he is permitted to choose how he wants to do things, it is cool to see what he chooses. It is funny to see his favorite book change, his favorite toys become different favorites, his speech develop, etc. You can see little bits of Mommy, Daddy, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc in his personality. It is great!

One thing it all does is make me develop more of an understanding and respect for God. He IS consistent: I can always count on what He says. He loves us, no matter how many wrong choices we make. I also have learned that saying sorry and asking for forgiveness is a necessary step in changing my attitude so that I don't make those same mistakes over and over. It also shows Him that I am serious about my sin and desire to change. There are many more things too. I love how having a kid is growing my relationship with God. I pray that I may always grow closer to Him as I strive to follow in the steps of Jesus, no matter where they lead!

On a lighter note: Canaan ate a whole handful of dirt the other day for the first time. Yuk! Thankfully, it didn't kill him, so no worries!

Growing Up!

So, this isn't a monthly update. Canaan is currently 13 1/2 months now. I just had a few things I wanted to write about since I am "WAAAAY overdue for a new post!" (Thus said Timbra.)

New Word: Guess what? CANAAN SAID MOMMA! Horray! After adding over 30 words to his vocabulary, he has finally decided to say "Mamma." I ran downstairs in the basement and he called out, "Mamma, Mamma!" I ran up the stairs saying, "Here I am!" It was wonderful. He started signing "Mom" (not the exact sign- but something close) a few days ago. If his ball rolled under the table or he needed something, he would sign, "Mom. Help." It was cute. But now he is calling after me! Does this mean I am officially a Mommy now?!! Ornery: Canaan is just getting bigger everyday! He has a few new signs and words, some new games, and some new attitude! Today, he decided to disobey Mommy and not come when called; he just looked at me with a sparkle in his eye and slowly backed away from me. So, after he was properly disciplined (and then came to me much more willingly), Auntie Livi said that she didn't like him growing up and getting in trouble. These feelings are shared by Gran-Nan too, who in the past has offered to buy Canaan anything he wanted in a catalog after he got in trouble! Oh my! Games: Dougle was in the shower the other day. Canaan walked in the bathroom and started playing peek-a-boo with him behind the curtain. It was so cute, I had to snap a picture! Canaan just loves peek-a-boo these days. He just laughs and laughs! I just can't get enough of him some days! He also loves playing chase. He looks at you in a teasing way and then turns around and runs the other way. This means, "Chase me!" He will just go as far as he can, looking behind his shoulder the whole time to make sure you are following. If not, he kind-of giggles to get your attention and let you know he is playing with you, and that you should be playing with him!
Bible Class:
For the past few months, Canaan has been crying when I drop him off in the nursery for Bible Class. This is very sad to me, since I have always had the impression that he loves Bible Class. There were even a few times when the nursery had to page me because he wouldn't settle down enough to stay. It has got much better recently, so that he would only cry when I first dropped him off; then he would settle down and enjoy class. But now, Janie in the nursery has figured out that Canaan loves trucks. So, when we go to drop him off, she asks him if he wants a truck. Canaan immediately perks up, forgets about crying, and goes right to her! So, he now goes to Bible class without a worry! It is wonderful. Thank you Janie and all the nursery workers who allow me to enjoy my Bible class in peace!