Welcome to Toddlerhood

Can you believe Joseph is almost 16 months old??? Sometimes I look at the pictures around the house of him as a baby and I feel like it truly was just last month that we were watching him roll around on the ground. Now, we watch him climb onto the counters or up the furniture :)  Every day I am astonished by the things he has learned.  From his vocabulary to his recognition of people in pictures, I am constantly amazed at what he is capable of doing.

Well, I think we have officially entered toddlerhood.  Want to know what I used to determine this?  Well... the overnight development of Joseph having a very strong opinion about everything :)  From what shoes he wears to which bib we put on him, he wants things done a very specific way.  I am not sure where he gets that from :).  This new stage with him is so much fun.  The joy on his face when he gets excited about something is one of the most humbling experiences for me.  With each shout of MOMMA and DADDA, I am reminded how blessed we are to have our little family.

I am sure that all parents feel this way, but I can't help but think that Joseph is a very special little boy.  Maybe it is because he is our miracle baby, or maybe it is because we fought so hard for him, but whatever the reason is, I truly do think he is special. Joseph is full of personality and because of that I feel like he spreads joy to everyone he meets.  Joseph has always been very open to new people and is usually more than happy to give hugs and kisses to everyone :)  His kisses have even gotten him into some trouble at play group because he doesn't yet realize that not all parents like their kids to get hugs and kisses from random little boys :)  Those hugs and kisses are something I will cherish forever and I am OK with him spreading the love, at least for now :)

A very wise friend of mine once told me that once you become a mother, you will never emotionally be the same again.  I thought she was referring to all the hormones while being pregnant, but come to find out the tendency to tear up about everything hasn't gone away.  My heart seems to hurt a little more now when I see sad situations.  The tornadoes that hit our surrounding communities was a great reminder for me to hug Joseph a little tighter and continue to thank God for what I do have everyday.

As we prepare for the holidays, I am reminded that Josh and I both have wonderful families who continue to support us on this journey.  We thank God every day for the blessings that he has given us, and we pray that our family can continue to grow.  We know that we would like to have more children and ask for your prayers in starting this journey again.  It is amazing to me how all the emotion and heartache didn't just disappear (I am a counselor, I should know those things don't just go away), but I know that we have been blessed before and I know that God is good.  We will continue praying that we understand God's plan and that he gives us the strength to accept whatever it is that he has in store for us.  May God bless you and your family during this holiday season!