What Our Biggest Little Boy is Up To

Our sweet John Hudson is 22 months old.  Two months away from the big 2 years! Time is flying by and I want to take a moment to document all of his cuteness.

 Boy, does John Hudson keep us busy! He's talking a lot. But we can't actually understand most of what he says. Words we can understand include: Mama, Daddy (Da-da), Daniel (also Da-da, but said while pointing at his stomach), Blankie (Da-Da) Oma, Opa, Lana, Banana, Apple, Cheese, Choo Choo, Grammie (Wa-Wa), Dado (Da-Da), Riley (Wa-Wa), Milk, Water (Wa-Wa), Coffee (Ca-Ca), Moon, All Done, More, Thank you, I love you,

Haha, as you can see, many of his words sound exactly the same! Its only by context that we can actually decipher his meaning. He's trying hard though and it seems like he's learning new words every day. Speaking of talking, one of John Hudson's favorite things to do is talk on his pretend phone. He paces around the house talking loudly to the mysterious person on the other end. He laughs and points and uses hand motions. He tells the person about the choo choo, about the banana he had for breakfast, and about how his baby brother is rocking in his swing. Its hilarious and so fun to watch.

Taking an important business call during breakfast

Many people have asked if John Hudson has experienced any jealousy since Daniel has been born. At first, I would have said no! But when Daniel was around two months old, it hit. John Hudson began screaming any time I would nurse Daniel, He wanted me to hold him all the time. He started waking up during the night crying and wanting to be rocked. He began throwing angry temper tantrums about the most trivial things. Of course, this is all a mixture of realizing that baby brother is here to stay forever and simply being a almost-two-year-old. Life is so hard. But thankfully, after much prayer and patient correction (sometimes not so patient correction), JH seems to have adjusted and is doing much better. The temper tantrums do rear their angry heads from time to time, but it doesn't seem to be linked to jealousy anymore.

John Hudson is a wonderful big brother. He kisses Daniel every opportunity he gets. Sometimes I have to ration the kisses, actually. He asks to hold Daniel daily, which can only be done under close supervision because as soon as he's finished, he yells "All done!" and shoves Daniel away. Sometimes I will hear Daniel laughing in the other room while he's in his swing and I look in to find John Hudson leaning over him talking and kissing. Daniel loves his big brother. John Hudson is aware of Daniel's whereabouts at all time and makes sure I know when Daniel is crying. John can even put Daniel's pacy back when he's upset! It might be upside down, but its in his mouth nonetheless. When I get JH out of his bed in the morning, the first thing he wants to know is "Da-Da?" meaning, "Where is Daniel?" Same when I pick him up from the nursery at church. Sweet boy is already looking out for his little brother. I am encouraged and excited to see their relationship grow.

Kissing outside on a cold day

JH entertaining Daniel during a meal

Kissing in their new hats 

Kissing at church

Morning kisses

John Hudson is still loving his hats. He received a lot of new hats for Christmas and is enjoying choosing a new one to wear daily. For some reason, his favorite is still a grimy, avacado-stained cap from his Uncle Bradley.

John also received a new play kitchen for Christmas. He is enjoying serving coffee all day long. When he finishes breakfast each morning, he says, "Mama, ca-ca?" meaning, "Mama, would you like some coffee?" And when he hands me the little mug he always cautions, "Hot!" He's also enjoying making sandwiches with his pretend food. He stacks two pieces of bread, a slice of cheese, a slice of salami and a chocolate chip cookie on top. This sandwich has sadly been the cause of many meltdowns, though, because it always tips onto the floor as he tries to walk across the room. So very frustrating for our little guy! He's never even eaten a sandwich before, but he sure knows how to build one! 

Speaking of food, boy, does this little guy eat a lot! John Hudson has always been a great eater and nothing has changed. Food is the first thing on his mind in the morning and we usually begin our day with a banana, an egg and sometimes some whole milk yogurt. He basically eats the same things we do now, which is much more convenient than the first year. As a family, we try not to eat processed foods or gluten and as many organic choices as possible (as we can afford, actually). JH LOVES his raw milk and actually refuses to drink any other type of milk. I think his favorite food right now is tacos, like his Daddy! 

But sometimes he's just too tired to eat.

Special treat! Banana and Almond Flour cookie for a quick and clean breakfast on the go!

One of our favorite things to do together is sing and dance. John Hudson is obsessed with a DVD called Wee Sing in Sillyville, which is so fun because it was my favorite show as a child. We only watch the DVD about every other week, but he asks to sing the songs every.single.day. We're also really enjoying listening to CDs that teach Scripture in the songs (two of our favorites are Seeds Family Worship and Sing the Word A to Z). JH has a CD player in his room and we ususally have it playing quietly (or loudly) in the background as we play. I pray these seeds Truth and Light will sink into his little heart and bear fruit. He also loves to sing "I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy" and "Jesus loves me".

John Hudson, we love you Buddy. We pray that God will continue to give us wisdom as we raise, discipline, and disciple you. We pray that God's Word will dwell in your richly and that you will love Jesus more than anything else. You are a joy!