Before and After, with some thoughts on being his mama.

My little bug is going to be 20 months this week. That's 4 months away from 2 years old! Ay ay ay. I've been looking through some pictures of last year around this time, and comparing him from then to now. The following are before and after shots of last year Halloween & Thanksgiving time, to this year:

I'm sure it's just me, but it blows my mind how much he has grown in the past year!

As mister J grows, his personality continues to amaze me. UH-MAZE. And you know what really amazes me about him? He was sent here for me, and I for him. Me and Dan together, our sole responsibility is to raise this child. I'm supposed to be teaching him and helping him grow everyday, but what happens? He turns around and teaches me, for heavens sake. I have learned so much from him.

I know I'm the one feeding him, providing a roof over his head, keeping him safe, reading to him, rocking him, kissing his owies and making sure he visits the doctor when he needs to. But I never realized how much of a two way street having a child would be. He teaches me patience and understanding, he fills my heart with love and joy, he makes me see things through the eyes of the innocent, and he sure keeps me on my feet. He really is here for me, for my well being, for my growth. And I for his.

 Even during the tough times, when my patience is running thin and I feel a bit frazzled, I remind myself that these are especially crucial times when he needs me the most. That through his frustrations and his tantrums and his screams, he's trying to tell me something. I'm learning how to adjust to it and figure out what he really needs. Whether it's sleep, food, attention, adventure, or just some good old quiet time...It's all starting to fit into place, what he needs and when he needs it.

 And like I said, it is amazing to me. I'm learning so much!

We are the perfect team, me and him and daddy. I love it.

I feel like we are here to take on the world together.

So mister J, if you're reading this in the future, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me, because without you...well I just don't know where I would be or what I would do.

I sure do love you.

To the moon and back.