Jonah Matthew.
You're 23 months old. That means next month, you'll be two. I just can't handle it.
People ask a lot, so I'll document here that you are, indeed, still sleeping in your crib. You haven't attempted to climb out even once. We keep a pretty close eye on you while you're in there {seriously. love our video monitor}, and you are content to play with your stuffed animals or lay down and sleep. We're hoping you'll stay in there for awhile even after Gideon is born. We're all just a little too tired to start the bedtime battle right now. But, when you show signs of readiness, we'll transfer you to a big boy bed {or mattress on the floor. whatever}. We've been working on your big boy room {robots, obviously} and it's going to be pretty cool.
You're still in 18-24 month clothes. Some 2Ts, but those always seem a little big. You haven't gotten any new teeth, but there are two on the bottom that are so close to coming through! They've been giving you a lot of trouble lately and I'm anxious for you to feel better.
In addition to still enjoy "counting" {one, three, six, seven, nine...}, you ALSO surprised us by pointing out shapes in some of your books this month. We seriously had no idea shapes were even on your radar. We have a few books that talk about shapes but, like everything else, we haven't been pushing the idea of learning them. After you pointed out a triangle in one of your bedtime books, our good friend Josh picked out a shape book and walked you through it: you got almost all the shapes correct! We were shocked. You had a little trouble identifying shapes when they were combined, but had no trouble seeing them when they were on their own.
One part of the day I really enjoy is when I go get you from your crib in the morning. You {sometimes} snuggle with me for a bit as you wake up, and then you start asking for breakfast. Typically, I already have breakfast ready and waiting {because you struggle a little bit with patience in the mornings}, but several times this month, I asked you what you'd like to have for breakfast. Usual fare is oatmeal, toast, eggs...but every time I asked you this month you ALWAYS said "cake!" I have no idea where it came from. We don't have cake in the house at all...but it makes me laugh every time. Can't hurt to try, right?
This month, I have started speaking God's truth over your more consistently at nap time. Each day I say, "Jonah, I have something to tell you!" And you smile a great, big smile. Then I say, "You are a man of integrity, character and honesty. You will love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength. You are a blessing and you will be a blessing to everyone you meet today." You have started talking along with me {"'tegrity! "stwength!"}, and it's one of my favorite parts of the day. I pray this is a tradition that I can continue with you and Gideon!
You're getting to be pretty great with "please" {"peas"}, "thank you" {"tank you"}, and "yes ma'am/sir." You also love to say things like "I missed you" {"I miss ewe"}, "I love you," {"I wuv ewe"}, and "good job, Mama/Daddy!" {"good jub"} It's the cutest and it makes me happy to know that the over-arching message you get from us is one of love and encouragement.
We received some tough news about Gideon this month {everything seems wonderful now, though!}. When we initially heard, I was sitting on the couch crying and you walked over and said, "What's wrong, Mama?" I told you that I was sad and that baby Gideon might be sick, and you climbed in my lap, wiped away my tears and gave me a big hug. It was an amazing moment that brought me such peace and happiness during a difficult moment. I love that the Lord used you to bring me comfort and that He is developing such sweet compassion in you!
We're continuing to do Bible study in the mornings during breakfast. For most of the month, we have been learning that God mad everything. Whenever we go on walks, we talk about all the different things God made {flowers, birds, trees}, and you totally get it. You talk about how God made Jonah and Mama and Daddy and Beesly all the time. And when we ask you what God made, you very enthusiastically reply, "everything!" Most recently, we've been learning about how God is good. We're reading through the story of David and Goliath and you love it. You think the part where Goliath falls down is hilarious and typically ask me to do it over and over again.
Things Jonah Loves at 23 Months
Bran Flakes
Blue's Clues
Reading {especially your Elmo book and Chrysanthemum}
Toy Cars
Bible Time
Bible Time
Pointing out Letters
Counting
Wrestling with Beesly
Swinging
Swinging
Mastered Skills (Most kids can do)
Names simple picture in a book {oh yes.}Uses 50 to 70 words {well over 70 words. I haven't even attempted to count}
Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
Opens doors {kind of. you can't work door knobs, but you can open other types of door/cabinets}Sings simple tunes {yes! you like singing and acting out the Itsy Bitsy Spider}
Takes more of an interest in playing with other kids {yes. you seem more comfortable in the nursery now and talk about your friends there}
Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
Talks about self (likes, dislikes) {maybe. you talk about that God made Jonah. you know what you like and ask for it by saying "more" or "again." I think this counts?}Asks "why?" {no.}
Baby Boy, you aren't such a baby any more. You're getting so big and you amaze me every day with how quickly you're growing and learning. I am so blessed to be able to witness it and I am so grateful for this time with you! You are such a sweet and funny little boy. You love to laugh and are so affectionate. You love people and are always so excited to have guests over. I love how you welcome everyone with open arms!
You truly are such a blessing, sweet man. I love you so much.
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