Of A Different Spirit

Caleb has now reached the 18 month milestone! In many ways, this one has been the same as other milestones, but in some ways, it has been very unique. It is so much fun to have an 18 month old in the house. There is never a dull moment! He’s always on the move and exploring! He continues to be a very good toddler that is fiercely independent and but incredibly sweet.

According to his 18 month check-up, he is doing well. He continues to be above average in height and weight. He received only one shot (and did great by the way) and isn’t due for any more until he is five. That was a very welcome piece of news. His molars are still coming in and it seems that a couple of them are taking their time in breaking through completely. We will all be happy when the teething process is over. Then daddy can take over the whole “pulling teeth thing."

This month, we took a trip to see his cousin, Evan who turned five on the 17th. He spent time with the birthday boy and cousins, Avery, Laycie, and Torrie. We were also able to catch up with his Uncle Shaun and Aunts, Robyn, and Mindie. Twodaddy and Grandnana also dropped by for some fun. Our visits to Macon are always so great.

He played well with everyone, including Avery. I was especially glad to see them connect. They are both so sweet and didn’t even fight over any toys. I have been thrilled with his social skills. Although, at times he can seem uninterested in interaction, he has not shown signs of aggression. He is a normal toddler in that he has to learn to share, but that doesn’t seem to bother him. However, he doesn’t allow others to bully him. I hope this nice balance sticks around!

Caleb has added a few more phrases and words to his vocabulary. “Go away” is something he hears a good bit, and no it is not directed at him, and he says it quite well. He can also say “ball,” “juice,” “dog,” “meow,” “woof,” “bubble,” and several others. Because he is able to repeat words pretty well, I have started to teach him the names of family members. Some of them come out very clear, and others are just funny. “Abby” comes out the clearest. He adores his Aunt Abby, and happily says her name. “Nana” is another one that he has mastered. We had a little fun the other night with names and had some laughs with the way that he says them. He attempts “Avery,” which is cute. My favorite is Owen. He actually says “O-ey.” It’s precious! Now, I just need to make an album for him so that I can point to faces as I teach him the names. So many projects…

I have also seen that he is starting to understand and recognize surroundings more. Every time we drive up to Southeastern University, he says “Dada” over and over because he knows he is about to see his daddy. He understands that the doctor’s office isn’t always a pleasant visit and gives the nurses disapproving looks.

This month has brought with it subtle, but important changes. It marks the time for Caleb to start pulling away from me and identify with his daddy in order to develop his masculine identity. This will take a long time, but this early period is very important. He is so blessed to have a daddy that he can look up to, spend time with, and learn from. Not all little boys get such a privilege. I have backed away a little in order to provide activities that are just their own so that this process can begin. Caleb’s favorite games to play with just his daddy are crashing cars and building with Duplos. It gives me a little “mommy time” too! Okay, so most days it’s dinner prep time, but at least I’m not chasing after anybody. I am now the kisser of boo boos, the wiper of tears, and biggest encourager. Daddy is now the one to follow after.

Backing away has given me the opportunity to see little cracks appearing where a little boy peaks out as he tries to break through the shell of infancy. My first reaction to seeing him look out at me was to find something to seal up the openings. I rushed to find anything, a toy or outfit that will make the little boy retreat and the baby stay longer. As I reached for the glue, I stopped and realized that there is no amount of adhesive that will close the cracks. I must allow Baby Caleb to give way to Super Caleb – the little boy who prefers to wear his blanket as a cape instead of sleep with it. As my role changes, I will celebrate the journey from baby to boy and hold on to what my mom told me when she found out that we would be welcoming a boy into our lives: “Little boys always love their mommies.”