Our Son, The Blessing

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." (Psalm 127:3-5)

Joshua has definitely been such a gift to us, as well as a blessing to those around us. I am constantly in awe at the way our LORD uses him in other people's lives.

For instance, back when Joshua was only 6 months old and still quite reserved around new people, we were eating dinner with a couple who were emotionally hurting. Their son & daughter-in-law had disowned them, refusing to let them anywhere near their grandchildren. This ripped our friends' hearts out. For some reason, Joshua would look at the woman across the table, flirt with her, climb on her, nuzzle her, snuggle with her, kiss her cheek, and hug her tight. This is abnormal for him to do with anyone but me. I was in shock! The woman sat there, holding and playing with Joshua, with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. Before they left, she told us that she felt like God had sent him to minister to her heart. Wow!

Months later, we were at church singing worship songs to the LORD. Joshua saw one of our friends sitting next to us. He immediately lunged for her. He proceeded to play with her a bit, then snuggled into her shoulder and slept on her through the rest of worship and the teaching. Again, this is very abnormal for Joshua. He usually fights sleep like the plague! Our friend had been going through a hard time, and this seemed to bring a smile and joy back into her day. Amazing!

I've noticed this in my own life as well. Every day I feel more and more blessed by the LORD! Through Joshua, God has grown me in patience, perseverance, and prayer. I know what it is to be without sleep, to be in great pain, and to feel helpless. Yet, I seek the LORD and He sustains me through it all. I understand God as Father more intimately now! I seriously LOVE Joshua the same whether he's covered in his own poop or throwing up on me or smiling sweetly. God is like that towards me through Christ, and I am SO thankful!

I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us this year! Even in the hard times, God will sustain us! Praise His Name!

Joshua Update

Here is the latest scoop on Joshua! He is now 8.5 months old and is a BIG little guy. He's starting to grow out of some of his 12-month size clothes already, mostly in girth and length of torso, not height or length of legs! His feet are also BIG, and too wide and thick for size 3 shoes, but too short for size 4 shoes. But, that is okay! We won't have to worry about losing any shoes for awhile since he doesn't wear any! (I've heard babies are notorious for kicking them off in stores!)

I absolutely LOVE that he's so big! I love his kissable cheeks, rolley-polley thighs, and adorable dimples! Carrying him around has been a great workout for me! My arms feel stronger than ever! I think the only sad part for me is that he's already a toddler, and his babyhood seemed to race by! *Sigh* I suppose that is how it goes for every baby!

His size has also given him an advantage with strength and motor skills. He is already a very fast crawler, has been rough housing with toys for months, and is walking around with only one hand hanging on things for support. I think he's fully capable of walking without support, but he doesn't know it yet! I've seen him stand up and walka few steps without holding on to something before, but it was as if he didn't notice! He was so engrossed in playing that he just did it without thinking, but as soon as he noticed that he wasn't holding on to anything, he immediately reached for support.

Other fun news is that Joshua is saying a few words now! He's said "Dah-dy" and "Dowg" in context and with passion! He mostly grunts and shrieks and rambles right now, however, and has a long way to go before he's ready to really "talk". He does mimics Luke sometimes, saying the sounds and voice inflections; for example, Luke says, "Hel-lo!" so Joshua says, "eh-woh" in the same tone and inflection. It is pretty cute when he does it, but won't do it for anyone but Daddy at the moment.

Joshua hasn't really shown interest in baby food. He likes nursing. Period. He makes faces and gags and spits other food out usually. This past weekend, he did better than ever for Grandma and Grandpa, eating lots of peaches and things, but this was abnormal for him! I don't mind so much. Nursing is really easy and gratifying. I figure he'll take to baby food when he's ready. I'm excited at the prospect, so I've already made some homemade baby food and frozen it!

Other than that, Joshua likes to flirt with everyone. He is very dramatic and loves attention! He likes to be kissed, hugged, held, and read to. He also plays favorites with Mommy & Daddy. If he is hurt, he wants Daddy. If he is hungry, he wants Mommy. If he wants to play, he goes for Daddy. If he wants to sit in someone's lap, he goes to Mommy. He likes to snuggle with both of us, though! We like "family snuggles" a lot in our house!

Praise God for a healthy, happy, little boy!